Crystal Palace Set to Battle Chelsea: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Chelsea aim for their fourth victory under Liam Rosenior's management as they travel to face troubled London neighbors Crystal Palace in Premier League action on Sunday.
The Blues have secured wins in three of Rosenior's four games in charge, though they've struggled to impress in recent narrow victories against Brentford and Pafos. The former Strasbourg manager still has considerable work ahead at Stamford Bridge, with his next challenge coming at Selhurst Park.
A win for Chelsea against the Eagles would strengthen their Champions League qualification prospects for the campaign's conclusion, but the Blues have managed only one victory in their previous six league matches. They cannot afford complacency, particularly with a vital Champions League encounter against Napoli looming next Wednesday.
Palace appear vulnerable, however. Marc Guéhi's departure and Oliver Glasner's heated response following the loss to Sunderland, which nearly cost him his job, means their winless run of 10 games isn't their only worry for last season's FA Cup champions.
Glasner, who has announced his departure at season's end, needs significant improvements against Chelsea to prevent another deflating loss.
Here's Sports Illustrated's match preview.
What Time Does Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Kick Off?
What Time Does Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Kick Off?
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Crystal Palace | Chelsea |
|---|---|
Sunderland 2–1 Crystal Palace - 17/1/26 | Chelsea 1–0 Pafos - 21/1/26 |
Macclesfield 2–1 Crystal Palace - 10/1/26 | Chelsea 2–0 Brentford - 17/1/26 |
Crystal Palace 0–0 Aston Villa - 7/1/26 | Chelsea 2–3 Arsenal - 14/1/26 |
Newcastle 2–0 Crystal Palace - 4/1/26 | Charlton 1–5 Chelsea - 10/1/26 |
Crystal Palace 1–1 Fulham - 1/1/26 | Fulham 2–1 Chelsea - 7/1/26 |
How to Watch Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | USA Network, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Sports, TNT Go |
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace Team News
Despite ongoing speculation about a winter transfer, Glasner has confirmed that key forward Jean-Philippe Mateta will be available against Chelsea. This represents encouraging news for the Eagles, who will also have Daniel Muñoz and recent Africa Cup of Nations winner Ismaïlla Sarr returning to the squad.
Palace will still be without several players, though, as Cheick Doucouré, Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah, Caleb Kporha and Rio Cardines remain sidelined with injuries.
Glasner has announced that Dean Henderson will assume the captain's armband from Guéhi.
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Lerma; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea Team News
Cole Palmer was absent from the midweek victory over Pafos due to a slight injury, but Rosenior has indicated that the attacking midfielder has a "strong possibility" of featuring in the Selhurst Park fixture.
The same cannot be said for Filip Jörgensen, who sustained an injury against Pafos, and the keeper joins Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo in the medical bay—the latter having just returned from injury.
Mykahilo Mudryk remains suspended following a failed drug test.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Score Prediction
Chelsea have made a positive start under Rosenior regarding results, but their performances have been less convincing. Lackluster displays indicate that the 41-year-old won't provide an immediate solution from the touchline, despite apparent player support for his methods.
Palace are enduring terrible form and tension will be palpable at Selhurst Park following Glasner's recent comments and outburst, but the welcome returns of Muñoz and Sarr should provide optimism along Palace's right flank.
The previous three encounters between these teams have resulted in draws, and Chelsea's unpredictable nature could lead to another deadlock on Sunday.