Damien Delaney given job to shackle Chelsea star Diego Costa

Alan Pardew has given Damien Delaney the task of nullifying the threat posed by Diego Costa when Crystal Palace host Chelsea today.

The Premier League leaders visit Pardew’s team hoping to equal a club-record run of 11 straight wins, when the in-form Costa is again expected to be key.

Since Antonio Conte’s summer appointment as Chelsea manager, Costa has excelled with his work-rate and in scoring 12 goals in 18 games, perhaps establishing himself as even more influential than Eden Hazard.