The Premier League 2025/26 season is finally here, and Stamford Bridge hosts a blockbuster opener as Chelsea take on Crystal Palace. The Blues come into the new campaign full of confidence after a strong summer and riding on the momentum of 14 wins in their last 16 matches across all competitions.
Manager Enzo Maresca has handed a debut to promising youngster Josh Acheampong in defence following injury setbacks at the back. The rest of Chelsea’s lineup looks as expected, with an exciting mix of youth and experience, while Wesley Fofana makes the bench.
For Palace, rumours of key absences proved unfounded as both Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze start in Oliver Glasner’s XI. The Eagles will look to make an early statement against one of the league’s title contenders.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Lineups
Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez; Cucurella, Chalobah, Acheampong, James (c); Enzo, Caicedo; Gittens, Palmer, Neto; João Pedro.
Substitutes: Jörgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Santos, Estêvão, George, Delap.
Crystal Palace Starting XI:
Henderson; Muñoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi (c), Mitchell; Wharton, Hughes, Sarr; Eze, Mateta.
Substitutes: Benítez, Clyne, Sosa, Cardines, Devenny, Rak-Sakyi, Lerma, Esse, Édouard.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kick-Off Time: 14:00 BST | 9:00 AM EDT | 6:30 PM IST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Referee: Darren England (on pitch); James Bell (VAR)
- Weather Forecast: Warm and sunny in West London
Where to Watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Live
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, streaming on Sky Go
- USA: Live on USA Network, Telemundo; streaming on NBC Sports Live, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
- India: Star Sports Select HD1; streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
- Nigeria: SuperSport Premier League; streaming on DStv Now
Fans worldwide can also follow live updates, highlights, and post-match reactions across major sports platforms and Chelsea’s official channels.
