| Chelsea vs Crystal Palace | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
17-08-2025
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TIME:
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06.30 PM IST (UTC +5:30)
06.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Stanford Bridge
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Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s defensive concerns have deepened after Levi Colwill tore his ACL in pre-season, ruling him out for most of the campaign. With Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile also sidelined, summer arrival Tosin Adarabioyo is set to form a central defensive pairing with Trevoh Chalobah.
In attack, Nicolas Jackson serves a suspension following his red card at Newcastle on the final day of last season, meaning João Pedro is likely to lead the line. While Liam Delap staked his claim with a brace against AC Milan last week, manager Enzo Maresca is expected to keep faith with Pedro.
Midfield options are also limited, with Romeo Lavia still out injured, so the lineup used against Milan could resemble Chelsea’s starting XI once again.
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace welcomed back Adam Wharton for the Community Shield after he missed the latter part of last season, while captain Marc Guéhi also returned. However, Guéhi’s long-term future remains uncertain amid interest from Liverpool.
Midfielder Daichi Kamada was forced off last weekend, so Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are competing to start alongside Wharton in the middle of the park.
Up front, Eddie Nketiah is ruled out with a muscle problem, joining long-term absentees Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad on the sidelines.