Chelsea vs Crystal Palace 2025/26 Premier League Bet Builder & Predictions
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday brings a tasty all-London curtain-raiser to Gameweek 1. Both clubs arrive buoyant after silverware – Chelsea with the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup, Palace with last season’s FA Cup and the Community Shield last week – and our betting expert is recommending Chelsea to win, over 2.5 goals and Cole Palmer to score at least one goal.
Chelsea’s summer could hardly have gone better. Enzo Maresca’s side completed the European set by beating Real Betis to win the Europa Conference League in May, then defeated PSG to lift the inaugural expanded Club World Cup in July.
Palace, for their part, claimed a landmark FA Cup triumph in May and followed it up by edging Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield last weekend, so confidence will not be lacking in the away dressing room.
With opening-week numbers limited, recent context and the head-to-head are instructive.
Chelsea have dominated this fixture, winning 19 of the last 25 meetings, while these games have historically produced goals – 60% of the last 25 have gone over 2.5 and both teams have scored in 56%. That tilt towards goalmouth action suits a Chelsea front line built around Cole Palmer and new arrival João Pedro, and a Palace side that showed attacking punch at Wembley.
Transfers also shape the matchup. Chelsea have been busy: in come Jamie Gittens, João Pedro, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato, Estevão Willian, and Dário Essugo, with Mamadou Sarr also added, while notable exits include Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Armando Broja.
There is also talk that The Blues will strengthen further, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho a target, but with the Red Devils wanting £50m for the youngster, I wouldn’t be surprised if that deal is done at the last moment of the transfer window.
Palace have kept things tighter, adding experienced goalkeeper Walter Benítez and left-back Borna Sosa, with long-serving Joel Ward and Jeffrey Schlupp among the departures.
Early team news nudges this towards the hosts. Chelsea are without Levi Colwill after ACL surgery and may manage minutes for one or two returning defenders, but their depth at centre-back has been bolstered by Hato.
Palace, meanwhile, have knocks and absences around midfield and attack – Daichi Kamada left the Community Shield early and is a doubt, while Cheick Doucouré, Eddie Nketiah and Matheus França are among those expected to miss the opener or be eased back.
Chelsea to Win (8/13)
Research: Stamford Bridge has been a far happier hunting ground for Chelsea in this fixture, and the squad profile now has added punch after a trophy-laden summer. Palace’s high-press under Oliver Glasner carries threat, but their likely absences in midfield and the potential need to reshuffle after the Community Shield tilt the balance.
The head-to-head is emphatic in Chelsea’s favour, and the hosts’ creators – Palmer, João Pedro and Cole Palmer’s combinations with overlaps – should generate a steady flow of chances.
Over 2.5 Goals (10/11)
Research: Historical data points to goals here: 60% of the last 25 meetings have cleared this line, with both teams netting in 56%. Chelsea’s recent matches trend high-event, and Palace showed they can land a punch in transition at Wembley. If Chelsea score first, Palace will commit numbers and the game tends to open; if Palace score, Chelsea have the quality to respond quickly. The profile suits a goals pick.
Cole Palmer to Score Anytime (6/4)
Research: Palmer finished last season as Chelsea’s sharpest finisher and primary penalty taker. He arrives off a stellar European run and typically occupies the right half-space where Palace’s full-back can be drawn high. Against a back line still bedding in after summer changes, Palmer’s set-piece and spot-kick duty adds a second path to the net.
Conclusion: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Bet Builder
To summarise, here are our football betting tips for the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace match:
Chelsea to Win (8/13): Superior head-to-head and added depth point to three points for Maresca’s men.
Over 2.5 Goals (10/11): Long-run scoring profile and stylistic matchup favour a higher-scoring opener.
Cole Palmer Anytime (6/4): Form, role and penalties make him the standout goalscorer pick.
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