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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace kicks off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM BST, marking the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League football season. After a transformative 2024/25 campaign, Chelsea aim to assert dominance, while Crystal Palace look to build on their recent successes.
Match Background – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Betting Preview
Chelsea finished fourth in the 2024/25 Premier League and won the Europa Conference League, carrying momentum into pre-season with a 4-1 win over AC Milan and a 3-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen. They averaged 1.8 goals scored and 0.5 conceded in pre-season (4 games), bolstered by signings like Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato. Their home form last season was strong (W12, D4, L3), averaging 2.0 goals scored and 0.8 conceded.
Crystal Palace ended 2024/25 in 6th place, winning the FA Cup and reaching the Community Shield (won on penalties vs Liverpool). Pre-season saw them go 3W-1D-2L, including a 2-2 draw with Liverpool and a 1-0 loss to Augsburg, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded (6 games). Away, they managed W7, D5, L6 last season, with 1.2 goals scored and 1.3 conceded.
Head-to-Head & Form Guide – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Betting Preview
The teams last met on January 4, 2025, ending 1-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer’s opener canceled by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equalizer. Historically, Chelsea lead with 33 wins to Palace’s 14 across 55 meetings, with 8 draws. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 against Palace (W10, D2).
Duel stats (2024/25):
- Chelsea: 58% (home)
- Crystal Palace: 53% (away)
Pre-season averages:
- Chelsea: 1.8 goals scored, 0.5 conceded
- Crystal Palace: 1.6 goals scored, 1.0 conceded
Team News & Key Players – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Betting Preview
Chelsea:
Enzo Maresca has Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah back from injury, but Romeo Lavia (thigh) and Levi Colwill (ACL) are out. Nicolas Jackson is suspended, opening the door for Joao Pedro or Liam Delap.
Expected 4-2-3-1: Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Jamie Gittens, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto; Pedro.
Palmer’s 15 goals and 8 assists last season, with 1.8 key passes/game, make him pivotal.
Crystal Palace:
Oliver Glasner faces injury concerns with Chadi Riad (ACL) and Eddie Nketiah (thigh) out, while Daichi Kamada (knee) is doubtful.
Likely 3-4-2-1: Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi; Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, Cheick Doucoure, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta’s 14 goals and 2.0 shots/game last season highlight his threat.
Odds & Betting Markets – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Please note that odds are subject to change, so check Tobibet for updates.
| Market | Bookmaker A | Bookmaker B | Bookmaker C | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Win (1) | 1.80 | 1.83 | 1.85 | 1.80–1.85 |
| Draw (X) | 3.50 | 3.60 | 3.70 | 3.50–3.70 |
| Away Win (2) | 4.00 | 4.20 | 4.33 | 4.00–4.33 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.90 | 1.95 | 2.00 | 1.90–2.00 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.75 | 1.80 | 1.85 | 1.75–1.85 |
| First-Half Goals (Over 1.5) | 2.10 | 2.15 | 2.20 | 2.10–2.20 |
| Over 9.5 Corners | 1.75 | 1.78 | 1.80 | 1.75–1.80 |
| Over 4.5 Cards | 1.95 | 1.95 | 2.00 | 1.95–2.00 |
Match Outcome: Chelsea are favourites (54% implied probability), with Palace at 23% and a draw at 27%.
Goals: Over 2.5 at 50–52%, BTTS at 54–57%.
Corners: Chelsea averaged 6.2, Palace 5.0 last season.
Value Bet: Draw or Palace (Double Chance) at 2.10, given Palace’s resilience.
Tactical Preview & Betting Insight
Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 under Maresca will press high, using Palmer’s creativity (1.8 key passes) and Gittens’ pace to exploit flanks. They scored 30% of 2024/25 goals from set pieces, with Fernandez a key deliverer.
Palace’s 3-4-2-1 under Glasner will prioritize a low block and counter-attacks, with Eze and Sarr (40% dribble success) targeting gaps. Their 45% interception rate away last season could frustrate Chelsea’s buildup.
Betting Angle: Back under 3.5 goals at 1.70 if 0-0 at 30 mins, or Chelsea -1 handicap at 2.50 if leading at 60 mins.
Prediction & Betting Tips – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
Best Bets:
- Chelsea to Win – 1.83
- BTTS – 1.80
- Palmer Anytime Scorer – 2.20
Long Shots:
- Over 9.5 Corners – 1.78
- Palmer + BTTS – 4.50
Live Betting Angles:
- If 0-0 at 30 mins → Under 3.5 Goals (~1.70)
- If 1-0 at 60 mins → Palace to Score Next (~2.80)
Conclusion / What’s Next?
Chelsea’s attacking depth faces Palace’s defensive grit, with injuries shaping the outcome. Monitor Fofana’s fitness and Kamada’s status.
Next, Chelsea host Liverpool, while Palace face Tottenham.
