It’s the start of the Premier League season, and Chelsea kick things off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday against Crystal Palace in a London derby of champions – FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup & Community Shield Champions.
This meeting comes after Palace’s penalty shootout triumph in the Community Shield over Liverpool, with confidence high in Oliver Glasner’s camp. Chelsea, meanwhile, enters on the back of a flawless run of wins in pre-season friendlies.
🟦 Chelsea have won their last five matches (all competitions)
🦅 Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last nine competitive games
♻️ Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Key Facts 📊:
📊 Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Palace.
📊 Chelsea have won all four previous opening-day matches against London clubs.
📊 Palace last beat Chelsea in the league in October 2017.
📊 Palace boast a better overall form than Chelsea in competitive games with 4 wins (1 PKs) and 2 draws in their last 6 games.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥:
🔵Chelsea:
Fresh from Club World Cup success after their UEFA Conference League success last season, Chelsea’s domestic ambitions remain high. With heavy investment again this summer, Maresca will look to turn cup success into a sustained title challenge.
Injuries at the back mean Adarabioyo and Chalobah are expected to form the central defensive pairing. Jackson’s suspension opens the door for Joao Pedro to lead the line, supported by the creativity of Palmer and Neto with Estevao ever ready.
🔴Crystal Palace:
The Eagles arrive with momentum after lifting the Community Shield. Glasner’s men are disciplined and tactically sound, with Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Sarr, and Mateta at the heart of their attack.
While the futures of Eze and Guehi remain uncertain, Palace’s midfield remains strong. Hughes or Lerma could partner with Wharton, depending on Kamada’s fitness. Without Nketiah, Jean-Philippe Mateta will likely carry the goalscoring burden.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Sanchez (GK); James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro.
Crystal Palace (3-4-3):
Henderson (GK); Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Eze.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀:
🔹 Cole Palmer – Chelsea’s creative spark, key to breaking Palace’s shape.
🔹 Eberechi Eze – Palace’s main source of inspiration, can unlock tight defences.
🔹 Enzo Fernández – Orchestrator in the middle, dictating tempo for Chelsea.
🔹 Marc Guehi – Defensive leader tasked with containing Chelsea’s attack.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵:
💵 Chelsea/Home to win = 1.68 ✅
💵 Palmer to score = 2.33 ✅
💵 Over 2.5 total goals = 1.65 ✅
💵 Crystal Palace/Away to win = 5.22 ✅
This isn’t just another opening-day fixture. It’s a clash of contrasting ambitions—Chelsea aiming to push into the title race, and Palace looking to show their Community Shield win was no fluke.
Chelsea’s record against Palace makes them favourites, but Glasner’s side has shown they are no respecters of Goliaths. Stamford Bridge is set for a derby with early-season stakes.
So, who takes the bragging rights in London? Drop your predictions below.
🔗 You can follow the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace EPL game here on MSport.
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