Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Match Preview, Latest Team News and TV Watching Guide | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Premier League Preview, Kick-off, Team News and Prediction

Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a Premier League clash that arrives after a whirlwind summer for both clubs. The Blues, fresh from lifting the Club World Cup in July with goals from Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro against Paris Saint-Germain, are now looking to open their domestic campaign with purpose.

Summer Shifts and New Faces

Eight new signings have walked through the doors at Cobham and several are in line for a Premier League debut. Jamie Gittens, Estevao and Jorrel Hato are yet to feature in competitive action, while Liam Delap and Pedro both played a role in the Club World Cup triumph. Brazilian teenager Estevao is pushing for a starting role on the right flank and Pedro is expected to spearhead the attack despite Delap’s recent scoring form.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have had an eventful off-season of their own. FA Cup winners in May and initially Europa League-bound, they were relegated to the Conference League following a breach of multi-club ownership regulations. The blow was softened somewhat when Oliver Glasner’s side edged Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield.

Transfers in SE25 have been more restrained. Walter Benitez, the former PSV goalkeeper, and Ajax full-back Borna Sosa are the only new arrivals. Both Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have been the subject of speculation but remain at the club for the opener.

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Kick-off, TV and Live Stream Details

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 2pm BST on Sunday 17 August 2025 at Stamford Bridge. Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event will televise the match in the UK, with coverage from 1pm. Subscribers can also watch via the Sky Go app or website.

Team News and Injury Updates

Enzo Maresca’s squad receives a double boost with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana fit for selection. Chalobah’s ankle scare against AC Milan proved minor, while Fofana is back after a lengthy absence.

“He will be available for Palace. We are very happy because he is an important player,” said Maresca.

Romeo Lavia is sidelined with a summer injury and Levi Colwill faces an extended spell out with a ruptured ACL.

Palace’s injury list remains a concern. Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are nearing returns but will not feature, Eddie Nketiah’s thigh problem persists until early September, and Daichi Kamada will be out until the end of the month. Matheus Franca’s availability hinges on a late fitness test.

Sosa could make his debut at left-back, though Dean Henderson is likely to keep goal ahead of Benitez. Glasner may also rotate with a Conference League play-off in midweek.

Prediction and Head-to-Head Record

Chelsea’s pre-season form has been sharp, with six goals scored in two friendlies and several new players impressing. Palmer has looked back to his best, and the side appears unfazed by a shortened summer break.

Palace will draw confidence from their disciplined display against Liverpool, but facing a revitalised Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a different task.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

Head-to-head record:Chelsea wins: 33Crystal Palace wins: 14Draws: 8