The Blues return to domestic duty buoyed by recent success in Europe and on the world stage

17 August 2025 - 9:58 am

The Blues return to domestic duty buoyed by recent success in Europe and on the world stage, having lifted both the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Enzo Maresca’s side will now be keen to push on from last season’s fourth-place finish and mount a stronger challenge at the top end of the table.

Palace, on the other hand, arrive with confidence after a flying start under Oliver Glasner. The Eagles went toe-to-toe with champions Liverpool in the Community Shield, holding their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to claim the first piece of silverware of the new campaign.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw.

Chelsea have enjoyed a fine couple of months, lifting both the Conference League and the Club World Cup, and they’ll now be eager to carry that momentum into the Premier League. The target is clear: to step up a gear and mount a real challenge for the title.

Liverpool, the reigning champions, have already set the pace with victory on the opening weekend, so Chelsea will be keen to keep in touch early on.

Crystal Palace arrive with confidence of their own, having edged Liverpool in the Community Shield last weekend, adding to the buzz created by their FA Cup success back in May.

The Blues have also looked sharp in pre-season, and with home advantage on their side, they’ll fancy their chances of starting the league campaign with three points.

A London derby between two clubs that have won silverware this year, a habit that is very infectious. It remains to be seen if the hosts exertions in the summer will affect their start to the season, but this is compelling match up between two in form sides.

The Eagles head into the game off the back of the Community Shield victory and knowing that the next few weeks are congested with the Conference League play off added to the calendar. Palace have looked good in pre season heading into the game with Liverpool last weekend so the start to this season is expected to be better than the last campaign.

HEAD TO HEAD

  • Chelsea and Crystal Palace have faced each other 67 times, with Chelsea having the advantage: 38 wins, against 12 victories for Crystal Palace.

  • At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has an advantage in the duels against Crystal Palace: 18 wins in 31 games. Crystal Palace has four victories.

  • In the English League, 46 matches have been played between the two teams, with Chelsea winning 29, 11 draws and six victories for Crystal Palace.