The Matchday 1 clash in the Premier League between Chelsea and Crystal Palace will take place on August 17 at Stamford Bridge in London. Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Chelsea
The Londoners return to the Champions League after three years. Enzo Maresca's side achieved this thanks to a strong finish to the season – winning 6 of their last 9 matches, with 2 draws and only 1 loss. This run saw them finish 4th. Notably, the club had the third-best defensive record in the league last season, conceding just 43 goals. Additionally, Chelsea won the Conference League and, in July, the Club World Cup. They didn't stop there, playing two more friendlies, easily defeating Bayer (2-0) and Milan (5-1).
Chelsea was active in the transfer market. Departures included forwards Joao Felix and Noni Madueke, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, and midfielders Lesley Ugochukwu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. They signed forwards Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Estevao, as well as defender Jorrel Hato.
- At least one team failed to score in 9 of Chelsea's last 12 Premier League games.
- A maximum of 3 goals were scored in 9 of Chelsea's last 11 league matches.
- The team is unbeaten in their last 10 home Premier League games – 8 wins and 2 draws.
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez – Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez – Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Tyrique George – Joao Pedro.
Forwards Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk are suspended. Due to injuries, defenders Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill, as well as midfielder Romeo Lavia, will miss the match.
Crystal Palace
The London club finished last season in 12th place. Interestingly, since their promotion to the Premier League in 2013, they have never finished higher than 10th. However, last season Crystal Palace managed to qualify for European competitions by winning the FA Cup. Additionally, a week ago, Oliver Glasner's team won the English Super Cup, defeating Liverpool in the final – 2-2, on penalties 3-2. Notably, the club played 6 friendlies in the summer, winning 3, drawing 1, and losing 2.
The club was not very active in the transfer market. Notable acquisitions include defender Borna Sosa and goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Departures included defender Rob Holding and midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp.
- Crystal Palace is unbeaten in their last 6 league games (2 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in 7 of Crystal Palace's last 10 Premier League games.
- The club is unbeaten in 13 of their last 15 away Premier League matches (7 wins and 6 draws).
Predicted lineup for Crystal Palace (5-3-2)
Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Munoz, Marc Guehi – Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze – Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Defender Shady Riad, midfielder Cheick Doucoure, and forward Edward Nketiah will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Darren England (England)
Matches – 19 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 82;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 21%.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace: Match Prediction
Both teams recently claimed two trophies and are in good form, so I won't risk backing a favorite in this London derby. However, I believe Enzo Maresca's side won't lose this game. Chelsea has not lost to their local rivals in the last 15 Premier League meetings, winning 13 and drawing 2.
I also expect both teams to score, as was the case in the last 4 Premier League meetings. Crystal Palace has scored in 18 of their last 20 league games. Moreover, Oliver Glasner's side has scored at least once in 9 of their last 10 away Premier League games. Chelsea, on the other hand, has not failed to score at Stamford Bridge in their last 18 Premier League matches.
My prediction: "1X and Both Teams to Score – Yes"
