Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for a potentially crucial match at both ends of the table as struggling Crystal Palace host leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Both sides are in need of three points for very different reasons, which could make for an entertaining spectacle. Let's start with a look at our hosts...

After a bright start to life under Tony Pulis, the Eagles have slowly slipped back down the table and are now just three points above the bottom three. Pulis holds the proud record of never having been relegated in his 21-year career as a manager, but this season may provide him with the toughest test in that spell. There is no doubt that he has improved the team, but he cannot afford to let the ongoing five-match winless streak grow too much longer if they are to stay in a position of safety.

The Eagles could move as high as 15th with a win today, however, which is a position they would be delighted with at the end of the season. Considering they lost nine of their opening 10 matches, Pulis has done well to get them involved in a competitive relegation battle and he will still be confident of keeping his side in the top flight this season.

The cornerstone of Palace's improved form under Pulis has been their solid defence, which is the joint best outside the top seven in the league. The Eagles have conceded just 39 goals in their 30 games, a tally only five teams can beat and one that is the same as second-placed Liverpool.

However, their problems lie at the other end of the field, where they have registered a pitiful total of just 19 goals all season. That is the lowest tally in any of England's top four divisions or any of Europe's top five leagues, and they are also on course for registering the fewest goals in a single Premier League season. There have been no signs of improvement recently either, with Palace having scored just once in their last five matches and none from open play for more than eight and a half hours.

Unsurprisingly with such a poor record in front of goal, Palace are winless in those last five matches, last picking up three points in early February with a 3-1 victory over West Brom - a veritable goal-fest for Tony Pulis's side. They have also lost their last two games at home, although that followed a four-match unbeaten streak in front of their own fans.

It is at Selhurst Park that Palace have amassed the vast majority of their points this season, and they will be looking to make a stronghold of it again this afternoon. However, they haven't fared too well in home London derbies historically, winning just five of their 25 meetings with city rivals in the Premier League era.

These types of games have not been lucrative in terms of points for Palace, who have picked up most of theirs against teams in and around them in the division. Indeed, they have managed just one point from their 14 matches against the top nine this season, scoring a measly two goals in that time. They have only lost consecutive matches once under Tony Pulis, although those did come against Newcastle and Chelsea before Christmas. Considering the Magpies nicked a last-gasp winner in their last outing, Pulis may not be too confident going into this match.

Mourinho will certainly be looking at this game as one his side simply must win if they are to keep the pressure on the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. The Blues would go four points clear at the top of the table with a victory as City don't play until later today while Liverpool are in action on Sunday. With both sides having potentially tricky encounters against Arsenal and Spurs respectively, Chelsea could have a great chance to pull clear this weekend.

However, while anything less than a win would be an upset, Mourinho will also be wary that this game is a potential banana skin. Palace can be very hard to break down and, although Chelsea go into the match having utterly dismantled Arsenal, it is highly unlikely that pulis-led team will capitulate in a similar fashion to the Gunners. The title is effectively out of their hands considering City have two games to make up, but Mourinho will still know that anything less than victory today would be valuable points dropped.

It is not often that a Chelsea team folds under the pressure, however. They are generally very good at digging out a result when they need it most, and they are perfectly capable of winning ugly as well as the scintillating style they showed against Arsenal. This is demonstrated by the fact that they have conceded a league-low 23 goals in 31 games this season, including just eight in their last 20. Coming up against the league's worst attack, they will be confident of a 15th clean sheet this afternoon.

However, with 62 goals to their name they have proved that they are capable of scoring freely as well. While they don't boast a 25-goal striker in their ranks, the number of players throughout the team who chip in with goals more than makes up for that. Even the defence regularly contribute to the scoresheet, which is a massive bonus for any side to have.

No team has lost fewer games than Chelsea's four so far this season, and just one of those has come in the last 16 Premier League games. However, that solitary defeat did come in their last away league outing as Fabian Delph's flick handed Aston Villa a shock victory earlier this month. Complacency may have been an issue on that occasion, with Mourinho will be working extra hard to ensure that it doesn't rear its ugly head again today.

That is the only blot on an otherwise very good month for Chelsea. This will be their fourth London derby of the month, and they have comfortably won all three so far. They also safely booked their place in the last eight of the Champions League, scoring 15 goals in all competitions in March - just four fewer than Palace have managed in the league all season.

If there is a concern for Mourinho, it will be his side's recent away form. They have won just one of their last five matches on the road in all competitions, and that was on the short trip across West London to take on Fulham. Things are better looking solely at the league, however, where they have lost just once on their travels in the last seven, conceding three goals in that time. They have also been in superb form in London this season, winning 16 and drawing four of their 20 matches in the capital.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in for both sides, and the biggest news comes from the Chelsea camp as both Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres start. Oscar and Willian have to settle for a place on the bench in a more defensive lineup than useful from the visitors, with David Luiz and Nemanja Matic both included. For Palace, meanwhile, Cameron Jerome gets the nod up front ahead of Glenn Murray. Full team news for both sides on the way.

CRYSTAL PALACE STARTING XI: Speroni; Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Ward; Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Puncheon, Ledley, Bolasie; Jerome

CRYSTAL PALACE SUBS: Hennessey, Parr, McCarthy, O'Keefe, Bannan, Ince, Murray

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Luiz, Matic; Schurrle, Torres, Hazard

CHELSEA SUBS: Hilario, Kalas, Mikel, Oscar, Willian, Salah, Ba

So, what can make of those two teams? Well, starting with Palace, the big decision for Pulis was always going to be who to start up front. He is not exactly blessed with a wealth of options in that department, with Gayle and top scorer Chamakh both injured, leaving only Murray and Jerome to choose from. Both players have scored just once this season and may not fancy their chances of adding to that tally against the league's stingiest defence today.

The midfield will play a big part in helping Jerome, looking to break forward at any available opportunity. Pulis will know that Chelsea are likely to dominate possession which could, in turn, lead to Jerome becoming increasingly isolated up front. It will be up to the likes of Puncheon, Ledley and Bolasie, then, to make those runs forward in support of their striker. Tom Ince on the bench is also capable of coming on and threatening, so Pulis does have options in reserve.

As has so often been the case so far this season, however, it is the Palace defence that will be their most important unit this afternoon. The match appears to be more of a case of whether they can keep out Chelsea rather than if they are score at the other end, and they will look to defend as a team in order to frustrate Chelsea. West Ham enjoyed success with such a tactic earlier in the season, holding out for a goalless draw despite Chelsea's relentless attacks, and Pulis would be a delighted if his side can match that this afternoon.

The Chelsea defence won't be expecting the fiercest of examinations this afternoon, but the likes of Terry and Cahill will still be ensuring that complacency doesn't creep in. Palace's most likely source of goals will come through set pieces, but Chelsea are blessed with defenders who are very strong in the air, so they will be confident of getting yet another clean sheet to add to their league-high haul of 14 already this season.

In front of the defence, Matic has quickly established himself as one of Chelsea's most important players and he is as key to their good form as anyone else. His presence almost nullifies the eccentricity of David Luiz beside him, with the Brazilian capable of both the brilliant and the bizarre. Lampard also adds plenty of experience into the mix as well as the constant threat of goals.

Speaking of goals, top scorer Eden Hazard will be looking to add to his tally of 14 this afternoon. He has already scored more goals this season than the whole of the Crystal Palace team have managed at home, and if it wasn't for Luis Suarez's blistering form you'd have to put Hazard as favourite for the Player of the Year gong. He has been superb all season and, if Chelsea do go on to win the title, he will be as deserving of the medal as anyone.

Alongside him, Schurrle has also proved that he knows where the goal is this season, while Torres has no quite rediscovered his shooting form but is working hard for the team and creating opportunities for his teammates to score. There is no doubt that the Spaniard will have wanted more goals of his own this season - and in the absence of the injured Eto'o he could get them - but the team's result is the most important thing and Torres is making an important contribution.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes from kickoff at Selhurst Park, which means that it is time for my match prediction! I certainly don't see another Chelsea rout on the cards here. The 6-0 win over Arsenal was Mourinho's biggest ever as Chelsea manager, but this match is more likely to be a return to norm, with Chelsea playing patient football and grinding out a win. The league's worst attack against the league's best defence points towards a clean sheet for the visitors, and I think they will ease to a 2-0 victory.

Palace's recent record against Chelsea is poor having lost their last five meeting and not won any of their last 12. They have not beaten the Blues in the league since Ian Wright helped them to a 2-1 win in 1990 - more than 23 years ago.

Should Palace fall behind in this match then recent history suggests that they won't be getting back into it. The Eagles have recovered just two points from losing positions this season, which is the joint-fewest in the league alongside fellow strugglers Sunderland.

The reverse fixture between these two sides was a close encounter at Stamford Bridge in December. Palace did manage to score on that occasion, Chamakh registering on the scoresheet in a 2-1 defeat for his side. Torres and Ramires netted for Chelsea, who had Petr Cech to thank for clinching all three points for his side with a fine save late on. The last time these two met at Selhurst Park, meanwhile, was back in 2004 when goals from Didier Drogba and Tiago handed Chelsea a 2-0 win early in Mourinho's first reign.

There are four other matches kicking off at 3pm today, and you can follow them all live with use by clicking here. I will also be keeping you up to date with major events from around the country as and when they happen. Manchester United have already picked up three points in the day's early kickoff, beating Aston Villa 4-1 at Old Trafford.

KICKOFF: Chelsea get us underway on a gloriously sunny day at Selhurst Park. This could be a pivotal 90 minutes in both the title race and the relegation battle, will Chelsea pick up the expected victory or can Palace spring a shock?

As expected, Chelsea have controlled possession in these early stages, but Palace have remained firm so far. The fans are making a lot of noise, creating a very good atmosphere inside the stadium.

The first shot of the afternoon comes from David Luiz, but it is not one he will want to see again. He is certainly capable of hitting them from range, but this time the ball flies a long way over the bar. Cue the inevitable look down at the floor searching desperately for a bobble.

UPDATE: There has been an early goal elsewhere in the top flight, with Morgan Amalfitano giving West Brom the lead against struggling Cardiff after just three minutes. That is a big relegation battle at the Hawthorns, so it could prove to be a vital goal.

It has been a solid start to this match from both teams as they look to settle into the match. Still no chances of speak of as Chelsea look to pick a way through a congested midfield and Palace defence.

After the reverse fixture between these two teams, Mourinho went over to applaud the Palace fans before describing them as "fantastic" after the match. They have certainly been good so far today, making plenty of noise throughout despite a relative lack of action on the field.

The first hint of an opening falls to the visitors as a long throw causes problems in the Palace box. Torres latches on to the loose ball but is quickly closed down by two Palace players, who get a block in to force a corner.

YELLOW CARD! Bolasie becomes the first man in the book for a lunging challenge on Luiz in his desperation to win the ball in a good position for a counter attack. There was no malice involved and it was a genuine attempt to get the ball, but it was a poor challenge.

UPDATE: What a start for West Brom. They are now 2-0 up against Cardiff within 10 minutes thanks to a Graham Dorrans strike. Cardiff are in a spot of bother there.

It has been a pretty scrappy game so far, which will suit Palace more than Chelsea. The Blues are certainly capable of winning ugly, but they would prefer to play to Palace's weaknesses rather than getting involved in a tight, cagey affair. The hosts are holding their own so far, though.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Chelsea to take the lead! Chelsea come forward on a counter-attack after Palace had made a foray forward, with Azpilicueta bursting down the left flank. He reaches the byline before sending a low cross into the six-yard box, but Schurrle just couldn't turn it in with the goal gaping. He was under heavy pressure from the defender, but he still should have scored.

YELLOW CARD! Azpilicueta goes down in dramatic fashion after a challenge from Puncheon. Lee Mason duly produces a yellow card, and right so. The Palace man caught the Chelsea full-back late with his studs showing.

Lampard picks out Torres with a simple long ball forward and the striker takes it in his stride well. He is caught between two Palace defenders, however, and claims for a penalty after going down in the box. It is certainly worth asking for a spot kick, but I think Lee Mason has made the right decision in waving the claims away.

Delaney is fortunate to get away without a booking there as he comes right through the back of Torres after the Spaniard had played the ball back to Lampard. It was a poor challenge from the defender, who seemed to just be making sure Torres knew he was there.

Palace come forward through Bolasie, who advances down the left flank before cutting inside onto his right foot and shooting from 25 yards. His effort is poor, however, as it trickles harmlessly wide of the near post.

CHANCE! Palace's best chance of the match so far falls to Bolasie at the back post after Mariappa and Puncheon had combined on the right flank. The latter fizzed a ball into the box to pick out Bolasie, who just couldn't take the sting off the cross with a first touch that create too tight an angle to squeeze the ball in. He does well to divert it goalwards at all, but can only find the side-netting.

Torres bursts forward from midfield, poking the ball through the legs of a defender before latching on to a pass from Schurrle inside the box. He checks his run, cutting back inside onto his left foot before drilling a shot towards the near post that is blocked behind for a corner.

Mason has another penalty shout to deal with as Mariappa squeezes through a gap on the right before cutting into the area and feeding the ball back to Jerome. A Chelsea defender comes sliding into a challenge and Jerome goes down, but the referee says no.

PENALTY SHOUT! Another penalty shout for Palace as Cahill slides in on Bolasie, who had burst forward from midfield. On first glance, it appeared to be a superb tackle, but the replays suggest that he didn't get much of the ball there.

YELLOW CARD! John Terry joins the two Palace wingers in the book for a handball on the edge of the area, giving the hosts a free kick in a good position here.

SAVE! The ball is laid off to Jedinak from the free kick, but his low strike is quite comfortable for the keeper, who drops down on it to make the save. That is the first time either keeper has been called into action, however.

Palace have certainly held their own in this one so far, threatening more than expected given their meagre goals tally this season. The Chelsea defence has looked uncomfortable at times, and Palace have had a couple of reasonable penalty shouts turned down.

UPDATE: Swansea have taken the lead against Norwich in another big match at the bottom, Jonathan de Guzman getting the goal to make it 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.

Palace have a corner that is initially dealt with by the Chelsea defence, but only cleared as far as Jedinak on the edge of the box. It is a tough one for the midfielder to catch right on the volley, and his shot is straight at Cech, who gathers easily.

Half chance for Chelsea as Lampard swings a free kick into the box that Torres rises highest to meet. He is sandwiched between two Palace defenders, making it harder for the Spaniard, who sends his header over the top.

CHANCE! Decent sight of goal for the hosts as Mariappa again bursts past Azpilicueta on the right before pulling the ball back into a dangerous area. Chelsea fail to clear the ball and it eventually falls to Puncheon, who can;t keep his first-time effort down.

UPDATE: Swansea have now doubled their lead against Norwich courtesy of another De Guzman strike. What a huge three points that could be for Garry Monk and his side.

Luiz began the half with a wayward effort, and he has ended it with one too. He picked the ball up just outside the box and took a touch before trying to bend an effort into the top corner. However, he is quickly closed down and gets his shot all wrong, sending it a long way over the bar.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of two minutes added time at the end of this first half.

Well, that was by no means the best half of football you will see this season, but credit must go to Crystal Palace for that. They have prevented Chelsea from playing the sort of football that blew Arsenal away in their last match, matching the Blues for large periods of the first half. The game was considered by some to be a foregone conclusion, but that has by no means been the case so far. Chelsea have a real battle on their hands to win this match.

The best chance of the match so far has fallen to the visitors when Schurrle came sliding in at the back post to try to turn an Azpilicueta cross in from close range. However, Joel Ward did really well to put the winger off enough that he just poked the ball wide from a very good position.

Palace's best chance fell to Bolasie at the back post, but he just couldn't squeeze it in from a tight angle. In addition to that, the hosts have had a couple of decent penalty shouts, one of which appeared to be a definite spot kick. On first glance, it looked as though Cahill had produced a superb tackle on Bolasie, although replays suggested that the England man actually made contact with the player first.

Adrian Mariappa may have come into this match dreading his meeting with Eden Hazard, but the Palace defender has been arguably the best player on the pitch so far. Hazard has barely had a kick so far and Mariappa has also excelled when going forward, really testing Azpilicueta at the back for the visitors. Hazard started to drift inside towards the end of the half and began to see more of the ball, so I wouldn't be surprised to see more of a fluid nature to his position in the second half.

The match is set up very nicely for an intriguing second half here, with Chelsea needing a spark to set them alight. This would be very much two points dropped in the title race, while it would be a very good point for Palace.

KICKOFF: Palace get us back underway against a Chelsea side who have made one change to their side at the break. Oscar comes on for David Luiz, who appears to have picked up an injury. That is an attacking change for Chelsea, who are likely to move Lampard back alongside Matic.

The noise values have very rarely dropped for the entire match so far, which is a great credit to the home supporters. It is also a sign of how things are going for Chelsea, who would have liked to silence the crowd by dominating the match - something that has not happened.

Schurrle is playing on the left now and he throws a few step-overs before drilling the ball into the box. His cross takes a deflection that takes it into the arms of Speroni, although the officials have deemed it to have gone out.

CHANCE! Big chance for John Terry from the resulting corner as the captain finds himself completely unmarked inside the box. The ball dropped to him, but he fluffed his attempted poke towards goal and Palace were able to clear. Moments later, Torres sends a shot wide.

What a huge moment that could be in both the title race and the relegation battle! Palace take a surprise lead as the ball is swung into the box and Terry nods it past Cech for an own goal. Ledley got across the Chelsea skipper to put him off, causing him to glance it past Cech, who had come off his line.

SAVE! Chelsea look for an immediate response and almost find it through Hazard, who has been very quiet so far today. He curls an effort towards the bottom corner from range, but Speroni gets down well to turn it wide after the ball had come through a crowd of bodies.

Unsurprisingly, that goal has really cranked up the volume in the stadium. The home fans have been superb today, and you can't help but think Mourinho's comments may have spurred them on in that sense. Mind games backfiring for the Special One?

CHELSEA SUB: Chelsea made a change in the immediate aftermath of that goal, with Lampard making way to be replaced by Mohamed Salah. Mourinho is going attacking now, and he doesn't have much choice.

Still no way through for the visitors as the Palace defence continues to hold firm. Chelsea have cranked up the urgency, however, and Palace will be expecting half an hour of relentless pressure now. Can the Eagles hold out?

CLOSE! Palace are inches away from a second! It was a quick counter from the hosts, with Jerome slipping the ball in to Puncheon, who fired a first-time effort narrowly past the post. Cech was beaten there, and it was not far away at all.

OFF THE BAR! Terry is close to atoning for his own goal with a header at the right end, but it kisses the top of the bar on its way over. It was a fine delivery from Oscar and Terry rose highest in the area to flick his header just too high.

It is very much backs to the wall stuff for Palace already here. They are getting as many men behind the ball as possible now, which could prove to be a tactic they have employed too early. They have 25 minutes to hold out now, and their current tactics are only inviting more pressure.

For Chelsea, they must be getting very nervous, however. They have not really looked like scoring this afternoon and memories of the defeat to Aston Villa in their last away league outing will be starting to creep in. Defeat here would be a hammer blow to their title aspirations.

The visitors come forward yet again as Palace continue to get forced further and further back. Oscar lines up his man on the right side of the area, moving it to his left before drilling a cross into the box that Speroni collects at his near post.

What a waste from Ivanovic. Chelsea are not going to get much space now, but suddenly the right-back finds himself with lots of time down the wing. His cross is far too deep for any of his teammates, however.

CHELSEA SUB: Mourinho makes his third and final change of the match as Schurrle makes way to be replaced by Demba Ba.

PALACE SUB: Palace respond with a change of their own as Stuart O'Keefe is introduced, replacing Bolasie.

Good running from Jerome as he races onto a long ball, just beating Terry to the ball in the right corner. However, he tries to take it inside the defender and only succeeds in running it out for a goal kick. He would have been better advised trying to hold that one up for a bit.

GREAT SAVE! What a save that is from Speroni! Chelsea make a rare break through the Palace defence as Oscar mis-hit shot falls into the path of Hazard in a very good position. He only has the keeper to beat and tries to curl it beyond Speroni, who dives to his left to make a vital stop. Hazard was already wheeling away to celebrate!

OFF THE POST! Oh what a big chance for Palace to all but put this game to bed! Jedinak carries the ball out of midfield and slips it to Jerome, who has space inside the box to pick his spot. He aims for the near post and beats Cech but not the post as his effort comes back off the foot of the upright. So close to a second!

CLOSE! Another chance for Palace as the Chelsea defence fails to deal with a long ball into the box. The ball eventually falls to Ledley, who fires a volley right across the face of goal and narrowly past the post. That was not far away.

YELLOW CARD! Scott Dan comes through the back of Torres and trips the Spaniard, earning himself the first yellow card of the second half.

CHANCE! Brilliant counter-attack from Palace as Ward shows great footwork to advance down the left flank. They eventually move the ball out to Puncheon on the right side of the box, and he slips past Azpilicueta before drawing a good save from Cech. Palace have had chances to put this game to bed here.

SAVE! Palace are beginning to really threaten a second goal here. This time it is O'Keefe who fires the ball goalwards from the edge of the box, and it needs a strong hand from Cech to turn it over the bar.

CHANCE! Palace really should be out of sight in this match! The hosts come forward again, finding more space in the Chelsea defence as the visitors pour men forward. This time Jerome slides the ball to an overlapping Ledley, who fires his shot well wide when he should have at least hit the target.

Palace's work rate in this last 10 minutes or so has been incredible. They are continuing to come forward whenever they are given the chance, but all 11 players are also defending very well as a unit. They have just six more minutes plus stoppage time to hold out for a remarkable victory.

Time is running out for Chelsea, who can only really look back on two good chances in this match so far. Since going behind, it is they who have dominated possession but Palace who have carved out the best chances. In terms of clear goalscoring opportunities, Palace deserve their lead.

Almost suicidal from O'Keefe! He has the chance to clear the ball upfield but instead turns back towards his own goal and passes to Speroni with a host of Chelsea players in close attendance. Torres nips in to get there first, but his attempted lob goes harmlessly over.

CRYSTAL PALACE SUB: The hosts make another change to wind down the clock as Jerome makes way for Glenn Murray.

YELLOW CARD! Mariappa goes into the book for a spot of time wasting, on a throw in.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of four minutes added time. Four minutes for Palace to hold on!

PALACE SUB: Palace make their third and final change of the afternoon as Puncheon makes way to be replaced by Jonathan Parr.

My word, what a huge result for Palace, and a devastating one for Chelsea! The Blues' title challenge takes a massive blow as they lose to struggling Palace, who give their own survival chances an unexpected boost. Not many people would have seen this result coming, but you can't say that Palace don't deserve it. It was a very good defensive performance from the Eagles and they had plenty of chances to extend their lead.

It was a John Terry own goal that proved to be the difference as he glanced the ball into his own net when trying to prevent Joe Ledley from nodding an effort of his own towards goal. Cech could perhaps take some of the blame having come off his line to collect the ball, but that won't be any consolation to Terry today. Could the Chelsea skipper have just cost his side the title?

As for Palace, they move up to 16th in the table and are now five points clear of the relegation zone after Pulis greatest win as a Palace manager so far. His side showed magnificent discipline and work rate throughout the game to pull off a memorable victory, and they deserve all of the praise that will come their way.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for a remarkable and potentially pivotal match in the title race and the relegation battle. Palace pull off a 1-0 victory to stun Chelsea, who may now finish the day in second place. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction and analysis. If it is more live football you're after, check out our coverage of Arsenal vs. Manchester City, which kicks off in half an hour. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!