London is set for a classic derby showdown as Chelsea prepare to host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, August 17th, marking the start of the new Premier League season for both clubs.
The eagerly awaited fixture is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off. Football enthusiasts can catch the live action on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning an hour before the match. While there's no game this afternoon, Sunday's clash promises an electric atmosphere as both teams look to begin their campaigns on a high note.
Maresca's Blues Eye Title Challenge
After a promising campaign that saw them secure a top-four finish, the pressure is on at Chelsea. Manager Enzo Maresca is now tasked with transforming his talented squad into genuine title contenders. The Blues enter the new season following a busy pre-season, which included participation in the Club World Cup.
Fans can expect to see some fresh faces in the Chelsea lineup, with Maresca likely to hand debuts to several new attacking signings. João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens are all in the running to make their first competitive appearances for the club. They are expected to join last season's sensation, Cole Palmer, in a dynamic and revamped forward line.
However, the manager is facing a significant headache in defence. The long-term absence of Levi Colwill, who is recovering from an ACL injury, is a major blow. In a recent press conference, Maresca highlighted Colwill's importance, stating, "he's a big loss for us...Levi was a huge part of our buildup." On a more positive note for the backline, Trevoh Chalobah has returned to full fitness and is available for selection.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro.
Palace Look to Upset London Rivals
Crystal Palace will be determined to build on their solid performance from last season and will arrive at Stamford Bridge with no intention of making it easy for the home side. The Eagles have a reputation for causing upsets and will be eager to start their season with a strong result. The last time the South London club secured a victory over Chelsea was in October 2017, a statistic they will be desperate to change.
Team news from the Palace camp suggests they may be without several key players for the opening fixture. Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucouré, and new signing Eddie Nketiah are all reportedly doubts due to injury concerns.
How to Watch
The Premier League clash will take place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 17th August 2025, with a 2pm BST kick-off. Viewers in the UK can tune into the live broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, with pre-match analysis starting at 1pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the match live via the Sky Go app. The 2025/26 Premier League season officially kicked off on Friday, August 15th.
Photo: X/chelsea
