Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge for a thrilling London derby to open the 2025/26 Premier League season. Both teams enjoyed successful 2024/25 campaigns, with Chelsea lifting the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup, while Palace claimed the FA Cup and Community Shield. This clash promises intensity, with new signings and injury concerns shaping both sides’ approaches.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea dazzled last season, blending attacking flair with tactical discipline in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Cole Palmer led the charge with 22 goals and 11 assists, while Reece James’ hybrid role bolstered their right flank. Their pre-season form was electric, scoring seven goals across wins over AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen. However, defensive solidity will be tested without Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile, both side-lined by injuries, and Nicolas Jackson’s suspension leaves a gap up top.
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have transformed into a formidable unit, unbeaten since April and thriving in a 3-4-2-1 system. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 16 goals last term and Eberechi Eze’s playmaking make them dangerous on the counter. Marc Guehi anchors a resilient defence, though injuries to Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure could strain their backline. New additions like Adam Wharton add midfield dynamism, but Palace must navigate Chelsea’s home dominance.
Throwback to @TrevohChalobah scoring on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace 😮💨pic.twitter.com/BNYJK3zEdU
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) August 11, 2025
Team News
Chelsea
- Levi Colwill (ACL) and Benoit Badiashile (leg) remain long-term absentees.
- Nicolas Jackson is suspended for the opener.
- New signings Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are in contention to start.
Crystal Palace
- Chadi Riad (hamstring) and Cheick Doucoure (ankle) are ruled out.
- Eberechi Eze is fit despite transfer speculation.
- Adam Wharton could make his full debut after a strong pre-season.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Petrovic, James, Fofana, Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Gittens, Palmer, Nkunku, Delap.
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Clyne, Guehi, Andersen, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell, Olise, Eze, Mateta.
