Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea kick off their 2025-/26 Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday with expectations significantly raised. After guiding the Blues to a top-four finish in his...
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea kick off their 2025-/26 Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday with expectations significantly raised. After guiding the Blues to a top-four finish in his first full season, the Italian is now tasked with moulding his squad into genuine title contenders.
The first starting XI of the new season will offer a glimpse into how Maresca plans to take that next step, with a number of new attacking signings set to be integrated. Fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup triumph in the summer, Chelsea face a tough opening-day London derby against a Crystal Palace side full of confidence after their own cup successes.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news
Chelsea team news
Manager Enzo Maresca is set to hand debuts to a number of new attacking signings. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens all in contention to feature. The new arrivals are expected to form a new-look forward line alongside last season’s standout performer, Cole Palmer.
MD1 on our minds. 🧠 pic.twitter.com/c4Whlu9PAP
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 15, 2025
However, Maresca’s defensive plans are impacted by the long-term absence of Levi Colwill, who is recovering from an ACL injury. The manager will also be without striker Nicolas Jackson, who serves a suspension carried over from the end of last season.
In a boost to the backline, Trevoh Chalobah has returned to full fitness.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro.
When is Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?
The Premier League fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 17th August 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm BST.
How to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, with pre-match build-up starting at 1pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action live via the Sky Go app.
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Category: General Sports
