Chelsea kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace today with expectations significantly raised. After guiding the Blues to a top four finish in his first full season, Enzo Maresca is now tasked with moulding his squad into genuine title contenders.
The first starting XI of the new season will offer a glimpse into how the Italian coach plans to take that next step, with a number of new attacking signings set to be integrated.
Fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup triumph in the summer, Chelsea face a tough opening day London derby against a Crystal Palace side full of confidence after their own cup successes.
Softfootball understands that the Gaffer is set to hand debuts to a number of new attacking signings. Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian, and Jamie Gittens all in contention to feature.
However, Maresca’s defensive plans are impacted by the long-term absence of Levi Colwill, who is recovering from an ACL injury. The manager will also be without striker Nicolas Jackson, who serves a suspension carried over from the end of last season.
Chelsea confirmed XI as seen on the club official X handle:
Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, George, Estevao, Delap
Our MD1 Chelsea. 🔵📋#CFC | #CHECRY pic.twitter.com/a6faCtV2Ps
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 17, 2025
Crystal Palace on the other hand head to Stamford Bridge as the reigning FA Cup and Community Shield holders, marking the most successful period in the club’s history.
Manager Oliver Glasner’s task is now to build on that historic success and establish the team as a consistent force in the top half of the table. The opening fixture provides an immediate test of their ambitions, and the manager’s team selection will be shaped by a couple of key injuries as he looks to maintain the squad’s winning momentum.
He has a largely settled squad to choose from, with the core of the team that delivered a historic cup double remaining intact. The only major summer addition is left-back Borna Sosa, who arrives from Ajax to provide competition for Tyrick Mitchell. Veteran goalkeeper Walter Benitez has also joined to provide cover for Dean Henderson.
However, Glasner’s attacking options are slightly limited for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Striker Eddie Nketiah has been ruled out with an injury, while creative midfielder Daichi Kamada faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock in the Community Shield.
Crystal Palace confirmed XI:
Henderson; Muñoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Wharton, Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Subs: Benítez, Clyne, Sosa, Lerma, Esse, Rak-Sakyi, Devenny, Cardines, Edouard
The Palace.
Your XI to take on Chelsea 🫡
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 17, 2025
