Match Details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kick‑off: 14:00 BST (UK) | 15:00 CET | 09:00 AM ET (USA)
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), TNT Sports / Discovery+ (Europe), NBC Sports / Peacock (USA)
Head‑to‑Head & Recent Form
Chelsea have dominated recent history with Crystal Palace, winning 24 out of the last 30 meetings, drawing 2 and losing only 4. Their encounters average around 2.6 goals per match, and Palace only managed draws in their last two visits to Stamford Bridge.
Background
Chelsea kick off the season under manager Enzo Maresca after finishing 4th in the previous campaign and lifting the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup titles—boosting expectations for a title challenge.
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, reached a club‑record 53 points and won the FA Cup for the first time, qualifying for the Europa League. Players like Eberechi Eze and Jean‑Philippe Mateta remain key threats.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea:
- Cole Palmer: Chelsea’s emerging star scored over 30 goals across competitions in 2025 and won Player of the Month for September.
- Moises Caicedo: Record-signing midfielder expected to anchor Chelsea’s new-look midfield.
Crystal Palace:
- Eberechi Eze: Scored 11 goals and added 6 assists in 31 games, helping Palace to their first FA Cup triumph.
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta: Palace’s top scorer last season with 14 league goals, lethal in the box.
Tactical Preview & Score Prediction
Chelsea are expected to dominate possession through wide play and midfield creativity—supported by newly integrated youth like Palmer and defensive reinforcements. Crystal Palace will look compact and counter via Eze’s dribbling and Mateta’s aerial presence.
Despite a solid FA Cup-winning campaign, Palace may struggle to force openings at Stamford Bridge. Predicted Score: Chelsea 2–0 Crystal Palace
Final Word
This London derby sets the tone for Chelsea’s domestic ambitions and tests whether Palace can translate cup success into consistent league form. Expect controlled aggression from the Blues and strategic organization from the Eagles.