Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Prediction & Betting Tips (17 August)

After two seasons passed outside the Big 4, Chelsea found a level worthy of his expectations under the orders of Enzo Maresca during the previous exercise. Indeed, the Blues ended in 4th place in the Premier League, which allows them to find the joys of the Champions League in this 2025/2026 exercise. They thus met the objectives inherent in colossal investment made by the club on the transfer market for some time. The objective is obviously to confirm this season and, why not, to mingle with the struggle for the title. This summer, Chelsea marked the spirits by winning the new version of the Club World Cup and inflicting a real correction at PSG in the 3-0 final. Crystal Palace has had a last contrasting season. Indeed, the London training worked out all the observers at the start of the championship before finding its cruising rate to finally win a very honorable 12th place in the Premier League and very quiet support at the same time.

In addition, the Eagles made an impression by dominating Manchester City in the League Cup final. They thus won the first major trophy in the history of the club. Unfortunately, the rules of multi-ownership prevents them from playing the Europa League this season. Crystal Palace will have to be satisfied with the conference league. Last weekend, Palace launched its season against Liverpool on the occasion of the future community shield. 

Accustomed to shaking the transfer market every year, Chelsea has not failed in its reputation this summer. The Blues let go of the porter Djordjevic (Bournemouth), the Amougou (Strasbourg) environment and the Madueke (Arsenal) winger and did not keep Sancho who returned to Manchester United. In the sense of arrivals, defender Sarr (Strasbourg), Essugo (Sporting) and Paez (Independiente) and Gittens (Dortmund), Delap (Ipswich), Estevao (Palmeiras) and Joao Pedro (Brighton). The latter has already shown very beautiful things during the Club World Cup. Cole Palmer (15 goals and 8 PL passes last year) is the not really secret weapon of this training while the Fernandez and Caicedo environments bring a lot of security in the midfield. Chelsea already deplores a first blow. Injured in the cross ligaments during the preseason, the indisputable holder Colwill in central defense will be forfeited a large part of the season.   Few changes are to be reported on the side of Crystal Palace during the offseason.

The left side Chilwell went back to Chelsea after a little conclusive loan. In the opposite direction, goalkeeper Benitez (PSV) and the left back Borna Sosa (Ajax) were enlisted at a lower cost to play the liners. The French striker Mateta (14 goals in PL last year) must still play a major role for the Eagles this season. It is supported by the influential Sarr (8 goals and 6 PL passes last year) and Eze (8 goals and 8 PL passes last year). The probable compositions for Chelsea - Crystal Palace: Chelsea: to come. Crystal Palace: to come.