Chelsea are unbeaten in 16 meetings with Crystal Palace, winning 14 in a row before both encounters last season produced 1-1 draws. The Eagles have won just two of their last 23 visits to Stamford Bridge, their most-recent victory on the King's Road coming in 2017.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace preview
When last we saw them, Chelsea were crowned champions of the world, but will this be the start of them becoming Premier League champions once again? During the summer, the Blues reached the Club World Cup Final in the United States, enjoying victories over LAFC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense en route. Enzo Maresca's team kicked off in the final at MetLife Stadium as massive underdogs, but surprised everyone by demolishing Paris Saint-Germain 3-0, all the goals coming in a 19 minute spree; Cole Palmer bagging a brace in East Rutherford.
So now, Chelsea supporters have their eyes on even more prestigious prizes. Prior to their stateside summer exploits, the Blues finished fourth in the Premier League, also capturing the Conference League trophy, fighting back from a goal down to beat Real Betis 4-1 in Wrocław. Having spent heavily once again during the transfer window, Maresca's team come into this campaign with sky-high expectations, so will they make a winning start at Stamford Bridge?
Meantime, 2025 has already been an historic year for Crystal Palace, with more still to come. Back in May, the Eagles captured major silverware for the first time in their entire 164 year history, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final; Eberechi Eze the only scorer. Oliver Glasner's side then made a positive start to this season, defeating Liverpool in the FA Community Shield at Wembley. Palace twice came from behind last Sunday, Jean-Philippe Mateta and then Ismaïla Sarr the scorers, thereby forcing a penalty shootout, in which Dean Henderson made two saves, before youngster Justin Devenny lashed home the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations.
The story of Palace's summer has regarded their future in European football. As FA Cup winners, they qualified for the Europa League, but have been demoted to the Conference League by UEFA for breaching multi-club ownership rules, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday. Thus, the Eagles will compete in major European competition for the very first time on Thursday, welcoming Norwegian Cup winners Fredrikstad to Selhurst. Before then, as they proved at Wembley last Sunday, Palace can compete with anyone, so will they spring a surprise on Sunday?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 67.
- Chelsea Wins: 38. Draws: 17. Crystal Palace Wins: 12.
Chelsea team news
Levi Colwill ruptured his ACL during pre-season, a major blow, while Nicolas Jackson's red card at Newcastle in May means he is suspended, although he has been frozen out anyway.
Enzo Maresca could have three debutants here, with Estêvão Willian the most-likely starter, while Jorrel Hato and Jamie Gittens may have to do so off the bench. Strikers Liam Delap and João Pedro both scored during the Club World Cup, with the latter seemingly set to start as first choice.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: (4-3-3): Sánchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández, Estêvão, Palmer, Neto; João Pedro.
Chelsea player to watch vs Crystal Palace
Cole Palmer's double during the Club World Cup Final in New Jersey took his tally to 18 to conclude last season, while he scored against Crystal Palace for the first time back in April, so will he be on target here too?
Crystal Palace team news
Crystal Palace's lineup for the Community Shield featured no new signings, given that they've only added back-up goalkeeper Walter Benítez and left-wing-back Borna Sosa, who came off the bench.
So, Oliver Glasner is expected to make just one enforced change from Wembley, with Will Hughes coming in for Daichi Kamada, who hobbled off in the first half. Club captain Marc Guéhi, who appears set to stay this summer, also went off against Liverpool, but is likely to be fit.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-3-3): Henderson; Richards, Guéhi, Lacroix; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr, Mateta.
Crystal Palace player to watch vs Chelsea
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened his account for the new season last Sunday, having netted 17 times last year, so will he net against Chelsea, as he did earlier this year when they last met?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction
We're forecasting a rather routine win for Chelsea on Sunday, given that we expect the Blues to be very strong, while Palace's lack of squad depth could be an issue: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League on TV channel?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
How to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League on live streaming?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Chelsea vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League?
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace takes place on Sunday 17 August 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (BST), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PDT).