Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

The Blues won the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, while Palace won the Community Shield just a few days ago!

Stamford Bridge will witness a rousing start to the Premier League‘s new season this Sunday (August 17) when Chelsea take on Crystal Palace at home. Both clubs have had a busy summer, but their experiences have been very different.

Chelsea achieved a historic milestone in mid-July when goals from Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro helped them beat Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup. After just three weeks of rest, the team returned to Cobham and recorded consecutive wins against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. This time around, Jamie Gittens, Estevao, and Jorrel Hato could make their competitive debuts. Liam Delap and Pedro have already appeared in the Club World Cup.

Crystal Palace celebrated winning the FA Cup last season and qualifying for the Europa League for the next season, but were relegated to the Conference League for breaching multi-club ownership rules. The decision was upheld despite an appeal. Nevertheless, they won the Community Shield after beating Liverpool on penalties. Palace have been quiet in the transfer market, only adding Walter Benitez and Borna Sosa.

Chelsea will look to continue their winning streak with a fresh lineup, while Palace will take the field with fresh confidence. The London derby will put equal pressure on both teams. The opening match will provide a chance to determine the course of the season, and the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is expected to be sensational.

Matchday one! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/Ws8l6jVAnf

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 14, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Sunday, August 17
• Kick-off Time: 6:30 PM IST
• Referee: Darren England
• VAR: In use

Players to watch out for:

Cole Palmer (Chelsea):

Cole Palmer can play an important role for Chelsea in this match. His quick thinking and accurate passing can break the opposition’s defence. Last season, the Englishman scored goals on big occasions.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder will provide rhythm and creativity in the offensive game, which can give the team an early lead. Palmer scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in 37 matches in the Premier League last season.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace):

Even amid transfer rumours in the summer, Eberechi Eze could make his first appearance for Crystal Palace in the upcoming season. His dribbling skills and pace can unsettle defences.

He scored several crucial goals last season. He will look to give the team an edge with creativity and confidence in attack. The 27-year-old had eight goals and eight assists in 34 appearances in the Premier League in 2024-25.

Match Facts:

• Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League matches against Crystal Palace, with 13 wins and two draws.
• Crystal Palace’s last victory at Stamford Bridge was in 2015, ending a 10-match winless streak there.
• Both teams enter the 2025-26 season opener with strong pre-season form, Chelsea scoring six goals in two friendlies and Palace unbeaten since April.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips and Odds:

• Chelsea to win
• Both teams to score
• Total goals over 2.5

Injuries and Team News:

Jamie Gittens, Estevao, and Jorrel Hato are yet to play in an official match for Chelsea, while Liam Delap and Pedro both appeared at the Club World Cup. Colwill is ruled out due to an ACL injury, while Nicolas Jackson is suspended for a red card he picked up last season.

Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have both been linked with a transfer away from the club, but will still play this opener in the Premier League. Eddie Nketiah and Matheus França are ruled out of this game. At the same time, Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad are out for the next couple of months.

Head to Head:

Total matches: 30

Chelsea won: 24

Crystal Palace won: 4

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups:

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Pedro

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta

Match Prediction:

It is going to be a hard-fought match, as both teams are in good form coming to this game. However, we still feel Chelsea will just have the quality to edge out Palace in the opener at their home ground.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace.

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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