Chelsea will begin the 2025/26 Premier League with a London derby against City rivals, Crystal Palace on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
The Blues enjoyed a fantastic off season where they won the FIFA Club World Cup beating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 3-0 in the final. And so far, new signings Willian Estevao, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are delivering in top form for the Blues.
Crystal Palace on the other hand have enjoyed also fine form as giant killers of recent. The Eagles beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup at the end of last season and just last week defeated Liverpool via penalties to win the Community Shield at Wembley.
Speaking ahead of the match on Sunday, Maresca told Chelsea official club’s media that he is comfortable with his side and they are rating to go again this season.
Maresca said:
“We guess we are ready, but we need to wait for the real competition to verify that. As you said, it’s been quite a short break. We are going to try to be ready.
“Sunday’s game will be very difficult. [They won] the Community Shield against Liverpool and the FA Cup against Manchester City. So, in two finals, they beat two of the best teams in England in the last 15 years. So it shows how complicated it will be on Sunday.”
The Italian went on to confirm that Trevoh Chalobah is back in full training and fit to face Crystal Palace after coming off early against AC Milan in a pre-season match.
He joked:
‘It was just too hot for him [against AC Milan].”
Maresca will miss the presence of Levi Colwill after he underwent ACL surgery earlier this month and out for a long time.
Maresca said:
“He is ok, aware he will be out for a long time. ‘It’s a big loss for us. You know how important Levi has been for us last season and the way we want to play. We have said many times that we are able to create chances and attack if we’re able to build up the right way, and Levi was a huge part of our build-up.”
Chelsea are tipped as one of the dark horses for the Premier League title this season after finishing fourth last season.
