Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
The new Premier League season kicks off with a London derby as the reigning Club World Cup champions and Community Shield holders face off. The advantage lies with the hosts at Stamford Bridge, but Crystal Palace have shown they can trouble top opposition.
Chelsea
Chelsea arrive in high spirits after lifting the Club World Cup with a 3:0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain in the final, followed by convincing pre-season wins over Bayer Leverkusen (2:0) and AC Milan (4:1). Their summer transfer window was busy: Liam Delap, João Pedro and Estevão Willian bolster the attack, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens joins the midfield, and Jorrel Hato strengthens the defence. Since the end of last season, Chelsea have lost just once in 12 matches, scoring at least twice in eight of them.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace made only one signing — left-back Borna Sosa from Ajax — but crucially kept hold of their key players, though there’s still a battle to retain Eberechi Eze. They claimed the Community Shield with a penalty shootout win over Liverpool (3:2) and even outperformed the opponents on expected goals (2.07-1.10). Pre-season brought six friendlies, with two defeats and goals in five matches.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Chelsea’s form and squad depth make them strong favourites, but Crystal Palace can rise to the occasion against elite sides and punish complacency. Both teams have enough quality to find the net, and they should produce at least three goals between them.
