Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Prediction: Crystal Palace and Chelsea will likely draw 1-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as Palace’s defensive organization under Oliver Glasner has produced three consecutive draws against the Blues since February 2024, while Chelsea’s inconsistent form under Liam Rosenior suggests they will struggle to break down the Eagles’ compact defensive setup despite dominating possession.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025/2026 |
| Matchweek | 23 |
| Date | Sunday, January 25, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:30 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Selhurst Park, London |
| Crystal Palace Position | 13th (28 points from 22 matches) |
| Chelsea Position | 6th (34 points from 22 matches) |
Key Facts
- Crystal Palace enters this fixture on a 10-match winless streak across all competitions, with their last victory coming in December 2025 against Shelbourne.
- Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior seeks consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since November 2025.
- Palace has not defeated Chelsea since October 2017, enduring a 17-match winless run against the Blues.
- Oliver Glasner has avoided defeat in all three meetings with Chelsea since taking charge in February 2024, recording three draws.
- Chelsea sits two points behind Liverpool and one point behind Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.
- Crystal Palace has failed to win at Selhurst Park in seven matches, last securing home victory on November 6, 2025.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta remains Palace’s top scorer with eight goals but has expressed desire to leave the club this month.
- Chelsea’s Joao Pedro leads the team with seven goals and three match-winning strikes this season.
On This Page
Injuries and Team News
Crystal Palace Injuries
Oliver Glasner welcomes back Daniel Munoz after the Colombian defender missed over a month with a knee injury.
Nathaniel Clyne could also return to the matchday squad. Ismaila Sarr is expected to feature after winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
However, Palace will be without several key players. Cheick Doucoure remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
Eddie Nketiah faces a thigh problem, while Daichi Kamada also deals with a thigh issue. Rio Cardines is unavailable for selection.
The most significant concern surrounds Jean-Philippe Mateta. Despite expressing his desire to leave, the French striker has not submitted an official transfer request and remains available.
Glasner confirmed Mateta’s availability for what could be his final appearance for the club.
The forward has scored eight goals this season, including six at Selhurst Park, making him Palace’s most decisive attacking threat.
Chelsea Injuries
Liam Rosenior provided positive updates on Friday. Cole Palmer has returned to training after missing the Pafos match with a minor thigh issue.
The England international is expected to start, provided he suffers no setbacks before Sunday.
Reece James, whose minutes have been carefully managed, could also start after being substituted at halftime during Wednesday’s Champions League fixture.
The captain’s return would strengthen Chelsea’s right flank significantly.
Romeo Lavia has returned to training but will not be risked for this match. The club wants to avoid any complications in his rehabilitation process.
Filip Jorgensen’s injury from Wednesday is not as severe as initially feared, but Dario Essugo suffered a setback and will miss over a month of action.
The midfielder joins long-term absentees Levi Colwill (knee) and Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring) on the treatment table.
Predicted Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Lineups and Formations
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Lerma, Mitchell; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes; Johnson, Mateta, Pino
Glasner is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation that provides defensive stability while allowing attacking width.
Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City forces Lerma into central defense alongside Lacroix.
Munoz’s return strengthens the right side, though Richards may start if the Colombian lacks match fitness.
The midfield trio of Devenny, Wharton, and Hughes must control possession and provide service to the front three.
Mateta leads the line despite transfer speculation, supported by Johnson and Pino on the flanks.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Rosenior will likely field a 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes control through the double pivot of Caicedo and Fernandez.
James returns at right-back, while Cucurella provides attacking threat from the left.
Palmer’s return is crucial. The playmaker operates as the central attacking midfielder, linking midfield and attack.
Garnacho and Neto provide width, while Joao Pedro leads the line as the central striker.
Current League Standings
Crystal Palace occupies 13th position with 28 points from 22 matches.
The Eagles have recorded seven wins, seven draws, and eight losses, scoring 23 goals while conceding 25. Their goal difference stands at -2.
Chelsea sits in 6th place with 34 points from the same number of matches. The Blues have secured nine victories, seven draws, and six defeats, netting 36 goals and allowing 24.
Their superior goal difference of +12 reflects better attacking output and defensive stability compared to their South London opponents.
The gap between the teams stands at six points, highlighting Chelsea’s stronger campaign despite recent inconsistencies under new management.
Team Form and Recent Results
Crystal Palace Recent Form: L-L-D-L-D-L
Palace’s struggles have intensified throughout January. The Eagles suffered a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on January 17, followed by a 2-1 FA Cup loss to Macclesfield on January 10.
They managed a goalless draw against Aston Villa on January 8 but lost 2-0 at Newcastle on January 4. Their only other recent point came in a 1-1 home draw with Fulham on New Year’s Day.
Chelsea Recent Form: D-L-D-D-L-W
Chelsea defeated Pafos 1-0 in the Champions League on January 22, securing their eighth-place position in the league phase.
Before that, they beat Brentford 2-0 on January 17 in Rosenior’s first Premier League victory as manager.
However, they lost 2-3 to Arsenal in the EFL Cup on January 15. The Blues also secured a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton on January 11 but fell 2-1 to Fulham in the league on January 8.
Tactical Analysis
Palace must prioritize defensive organization against Chelsea’s superior individual quality.
Glasner’s success in previous meetings with the Blues came through compact defensive shape and quick transitions.
The Eagles will likely sit deeper, absorbing pressure before launching counter-attacks through Mateta’s physical presence and pace on the wings.
Chelsea’s approach under Rosenior emphasizes possession-based football with patient build-up play.
The Blues create chances through Palmer’s creativity and wide players cutting inside.
However, their recent performances have lacked conviction, with opponents creating numerous chances despite Chelsea’s territorial dominance.
The midfield battle will prove decisive. Palace’s trio must disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm and prevent Palmer from dictating play.
Chelsea’s double pivot must control tempo while protecting against Palace’s counter-attacking threat.
Key Players to Watch
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
The French striker carries Palace’s attacking hopes. His eight goals include six at Selhurst Park, demonstrating his importance as a home threat.
Physical strength and aerial ability make him dangerous against Chelsea’s defense.
Transfer speculation adds emotional context to what could be his final Palace appearance.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
The England international remains Chelsea’s most influential player. His creativity, vision, and technical ability unlock defenses.
Palmer’s return from injury provides Chelsea with the playmaking quality they lacked against Pafos.
His performance will largely determine Chelsea’s attacking effectiveness.
Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
Despite criticism, the Brazilian leads Chelsea with seven goals and three match-winning strikes.
His movement, finishing, and link-up play make him dangerous in the final third. Pedro must convert chances to secure victory.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record heavily favors Chelsea. Palace has not beaten the Blues since October 2017, suffering through 17 matches without victory.
However, recent meetings have been competitive.
Since Glasner’s appointment in February 2024, the teams have met three times with all matches ending in draws.
On August 17, 2025, they played out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.
On January 4, 2025, they drew 1-1 at Selhurst Park. On September 1, 2024, another 1-1 draw occurred at Stamford Bridge.
These results suggest tactical parity despite Chelsea’s superior squad quality. Glasner has successfully neutralized Chelsea’s attacking threats while creating opportunities for Palace.
Where To Watch Live?
Crystal Palace hosts Chelsea at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening in a crucial Premier League encounter.
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM local time and represents a significant opportunity for both clubs to address their respective challenges.
Where to Watch Live in India:
- Palace TV+ (Audio commentary only, subscription required)
- JioHotstar (Live streaming available)
The fixture falls during matchweek 23 of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.
Official lineups will be released approximately one hour before kickoff, with live scores and match statistics updated in real-time once the game begins.
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Prediction
Both teams face significant pressure. Palace desperately needs points to escape their winless run and ease pressure on Glasner.
Chelsea requires consecutive wins to strengthen their top-four challenge.
However, recent form and historical patterns suggest another tight encounter. Palace’s defensive organization under Glasner has frustrated Chelsea repeatedly.
The Blues’ inconsistency under Rosenior raises doubts about their ability to break down organized defenses.
Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea
A fourth consecutive draw between these sides appears most likely.
Palace will defend resolutely and threaten on counter-attacks, while Chelsea will dominate possession without finding the cutting edge to secure victory.
Both teams will view the result differently—Palace as a point gained, Chelsea as two points dropped in the top-four race.
Read Football Prediction.
FAQs
Where To Watch Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Live?
Indian viewers can watch Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea live on JioHotstar with full video streaming or listen to audio commentary on Palace TV+ (subscription required), while fans in the UK can access the match through Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, and NOW TV starting at 7:30 PM local time on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Who Will Win Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Match?
Crystal Palace and Chelsea will likely share points in a 1-1 draw because Oliver Glasner has secured three consecutive draws against Chelsea since February 2024 through compact defensive tactics, while Chelsea’s recent inconsistency under Liam Rosenior shows they struggle to convert possession dominance into victories despite having superior individual quality.
What is Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Match Kick-Off Time?
Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea kicks off at 7:30 PM local time on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Selhurst Park in London during matchweek 23 of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.
Are There Any Injuries in Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Match?
Crystal Palace will miss Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Daichi Kamada (thigh), and Rio Cardines, but Daniel Munoz returns after a month-long knee injury, while Chelsea welcomes back Cole Palmer and Reece James from minor issues but loses Dario Essugo for over a month alongside long-term absentees Levi Colwill (knee) and Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring).
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea Match?
Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea represents the most likely scoreline because Glasner’s defensive organization has neutralized Chelsea’s attack in three straight meetings producing identical draw results, while Chelsea’s attacking inconsistency under new manager Liam Rosenior prevents them from breaking down well-structured defenses despite controlling possession.
Chelsea Standing with Points?
Chelsea sits in 6th position in the Premier League with 34 points from 22 matches after recording nine wins, seven draws, and six losses, scoring 36 goals while conceding 24 for a positive goal difference of +12, trailing Manchester United by one point and Liverpool by two points in the race for Champions League qualification.
Crystal Palace Standing With Points?
Crystal Palace occupies 13th position in the Premier League with 28 points from 22 matches after securing seven wins, seven draws, and eight losses, scoring 23 goals while conceding 25 for a goal difference of -2, sitting six points behind sixth-placed Chelsea while enduring a 10-match winless streak across all competitions.