Chelsea and Crystal Palace get their respective Premier League campaigns underway when they lock horns at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. The two clubs won three trophies between them last season, and Palace enter the fixture on the back of winning the Community Shield last weekend.
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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction: Opening day deadlock?
Key stats
- Palace have scored in 13 of their last 15 Premier League away matches.
- Chelsea have only suffered one defeat in their last 10 competitive matches.
- Palace picked up more points away from (28) than they did at Selhurst Park (25) last season.
- Palace have not lost any of their last nine competitive matches.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace
Some are expecting a big season from Chelsea, but this is a challenging opening fixture against a club they could not beat last season, and history could repeat itself, especially with their limited pre-season preparations.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea the clear favourites
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The bookies really fancy Chelsea for an opening day win, and after their results at the Club World Cup, it is not a surprise to see.
However, the Blues can blow hot and cold, and Palace have a habit of upsetting the big boys, so there is value in betting against Chelsea here, with a draw generously priced at 16/5.
In the meantime, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Chelsea looking to extend unbeaten run
Chelsea have a very strong record against Palace, remaining unbeaten across the last 15 league meetings, but the Eagles’ draw here last season ended a run of seven straight wins at the Bridge in this fixture for the Blues.
England Premier League 04/01/25
Crystal Palace
Chelsea
England Premier League 01/09/24
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
England Premier League 12/02/24
Crystal Palace
Chelsea
England Premier League 27/12/23
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
England Premier League 15/01/23
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Chelsea preview: Defensive casualties mounting
Levi Colwill’s ACL injury has weakened Chelsea defensively, and with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile also battling against setbacks, manager Enzo Maresca is depleted in the centre of defence.
Nicolas Jackson is suspended after his red card against Newcastle United late last season, and Romeo Lavia is sidelined, so a similar, if not the same, XI that Maresca named against AC Milan last week is expected.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK), James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Enzo, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Gittens & Joao Pedro
England Premier League 11/05/25
L
Newcastle
2
Chelsea
0
UEFA Conference League 08/05/25
W
Djurgarden
0
Chelsea
1
England Premier League 04/05/25
W
Liverpool
1
Chelsea
3
UEFA Conference League 01/05/25
W
Djurgarden
1
Chelsea
4
England Premier League 26/04/25
W
Everton
0
Chelsea
1
Crystal Palace preview: Question marks around two key starters
Palace will be without Daichi Kamada after he was forced off with injury in the Community Shield last weekend, so Will Hughes is set to come in to partner Adam Wharton in midfield.
Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have both been at the centre of transfer interest this week, but the two are still expected to start, as they did at Wembley a week ago.
Predicted lineup: Henderson (GK), Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Sarr, Mateta & Eze
England Premier League 11/05/25
W
Tottenham
0
Crystal Palace
2
England Premier League 05/05/25
D
Nottm Forest
1
Crystal Palace
1
England FA Cup 26/04/25
W
Aston Villa
0
Crystal Palace
3
England Premier League 23/04/25
D
Arsenal
2
Crystal Palace
2
England Premier League 19/04/25
D
Bournemouth
0
Crystal Palace
0
Player to watch: Cole Palmer
After netting 15 Premier League goals last season, all eyes will be on Palmer again, as he will be central to everything Chelsea do going forward.
The England international went through an uncharacteristic dry spell in front of goal last season, but he was back in form at the Club World Cup, in particular against Paris Saint-Germain in the final, where he scored twice.