Crystal Palace star: You can never underestimate Chelsea

Joel Ward says you should never underestimate Chelsea

CRYSTAL PALACE defender Joel Ward believes his side will have to be at their very best to come away with three points against Chelsea tomorrow (3pm).

 

Palace haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 1982 but go into the game full of confidence having won three matches in their opening four fixtures this campaign.

Chelsea have suffered a difficult start this season by their standards which has seen them manage just four points from three games.

The Blues are without captain John Terry after he received a red card in their last outing to West Brom - but Ward knows their squad is strong enough to provide an adequate replacement.

 

“When you look at the top clubs, if they have a bad result or something doesn’t quite go their way they’re always looking for a response so you can never underestimate teams like Chelsea," Ward told cpfc.co.uk. 

"People say that it’s a good time to play them but they’ve got world class players that can win games on their own. Their quality does shine through at times.

“Everyone knows the qualities of John Terry, he’s the leader of that team and everything starts from him but he’s not in their side at the moment.

 

"Whoever is in the starting line-up against us, we’ve just got to go about our jobs and give ourselves the best chance of coming away with some nice points.”

Gary Cahill is expected to start alongside Kurt Zouma with new signing Baba Rahman still short of fitness. Victor Moses and Oscar also remain injury doubts.

Palace are without Mile Jedinak after he picked up a hamstring injury in their midweek League Cup win over Shrewsbury but they do welcome back Yannick Bolasie following the death of his father.