Patrick Vieira insists it’s “NOT the best time” to play against Chelsea despite the Blues’ poor form

Patrick Vieira has downplayed claims that now is the “best time” to play an out-of-form Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s London derby clash at Stamford Bridge.

Graham Potter’s Chelsea were beaten again by high-flying Fulham on Thursday night in a game that saw new loanee Joao Felix sent off on his Blues debut.

Crystal Palace go into this clash after losing three in a row at home in all competitions. The only loss before that came against Chelsea, when Palace’s star from last season, Conor Gallagher, scored a last-minute winner for the Blues at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace’s Patrick Vieira has downplayed claims that now is the ‘best time’ to face Chelsea

“It’s not the best time to play Chelsea and it won’t even be the best time to play Manchester United next week,” Vieira said.

Of course the game we played at home and the late goal we conceded is still in our minds and overall if you look at the game I think we created enough chances to really take them to hurt and score goals.

Despite a 2-0 win at Bournemouth, it has been a worrying string of results for Vieira’s men since domestic football resumed after the World Cup.

Graham Potter’s out-of-form Blues side have lost their last three games in all competitions

Heavy home defeats in the league to Fulham and Tottenham have left fans frustrated. A game against a hapless Chelsea side could revive their league form.

Palace have had all week to prepare and train while the hosts were in action against Fulham on Thursday night and Vieira claimed his side could take positives from their late defeat to Chelsea for Sunday’s clash.

“We have to remember that, how can we play a game of football that would get them in trouble and trouble.

The Eagles travel to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League derby in London on Sunday

“It’s important for me to have a really clear game plan that we can execute as best we can to try and win the game.”

These two sides met in the FA Cup semi-finals last season, when Chelsea secured a place in the final with a 2-0 win.

Palace have not beaten Chelsea since 2017, a 2-1 win at Selhurst Park under Roy Hodgson. The last draw between these two teams was in 1995, a goalless affair at Stamford Bridge.