The 2025/26 Premier League season is almost here, and Chelsea kick off their campaign with a tricky London derby against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. After a hectic summer that included a Club World Cup run, new signings, and a packed pre-season, questions remain around fitness, sharpness, and selection.
With less rest than most rivals and just a short turnaround between competitions, Enzo Maresca will need to get creative with his team selection — especially as he aims to inject new energy into this Chelsea side.
That’s why we’re going bold with our predicted XI — starting João Pedro and Liam Delap together.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
We’re going with a 4-2-3-1 setup the same shape Enzo Maresca relied on heavily last season and the one that dominated PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final. It’s a system built on structure, control, and positional discipline but it doesn’t sacrifice creativity or fluidity in attack.
This shape allows Chelsea to dictate the midfield through Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, while giving Palmer, Pedro, and Neto the freedom to roam and create behind the striker. Against a side like Crystal Palace who are likely to sit deep and counter the width, movement, and control this formation offers could prove decisive.
Bold Call #1: Liam Delap to Lead the Line
Starting Liam Delap might raise eyebrows to some, but for us, it’s a clear statement of intent. The new signing brings a profile Chelsea have lacked a strong target man with excellent technical ability and blistering pace. He’s a nightmare to play against: physically dominant, capable of linking play, and lethal when running in behind. Delap deserves the chance to stake his claim. He’s looked sharp in his first few appearances for us and fits perfectly into the system Maresca wants to play.
Bold Call #2: João Pedro on the Wing
Many fans may feel João Pedro should be leading the line and in truth, he could. But we believe he can be just as effective, playing off the left. His intelligence in finding space, close control, and ability to cut inside make him a huge threat drifting in from wide areas.
Starting Pedro out wide also lets Chelsea unleash their strongest front four:
Pedro on the left, Palmer central, Neto on the right, and Delap through the middle.
It’s a front line full of movement, creativity, and end product and one that can cause real problems for Palace from the very first whistle.
Midfield Pairing: Caicedo and Enzo Run the Show
No surprises here. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are nailed-on starters, offering both steel and style. Caicedo shields the defence and wins possession, while Enzo dictates tempo and breaks lines.
This duo will be crucial in limiting Palace’s counter-attacks and transitioning Chelsea quickly into attack. If they dominate the middle of the park, Chelsea will dominate the game.
Defence: Trusted Core with One Key Call
Chelsea finished last season with a much-improved defensive record, and we’d stick with the back four that ended the campaign strongly. Reece James, if fit, captains the side from right-back, while Marc Cucurella keeps his place on the left after a solid run of performances in the closing months.
At centre-back, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah looked increasingly assured as a pairing toward the end of last season, and there’s no reason to disrupt that understanding now.
With Malo Gusto ready to rotate in on either flank, there’s solid depth and continuity heading into the opener.
In Goal: Sánchez Keeps His Place
Robert Sánchez keeps his spot in goal and while there’s been some controversy among fans about whether he’s the long-term No.1, it’s clear Maresca is sticking with him for now.
Sánchez was immense in the Club World Cup final, putting in a world-class performance to help Chelsea shut out PSG and lift the trophy. His confidence, shot-stopping, and control under pressure were key to that victory.
Currently with no clear challenger, he starts on opening day.
Fan Poll: Who Would You Start Up Front?
Liam Delap has been given the nod in this XI, but would you prefer João Pedro or Nicolas Jackson to start up top?
👉 Vote on our X poll! (@CFCBlues_com)!
Who should start up front for Chelsea on opening day vs Crystal Palace? 👇
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 22, 2025
