Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 25 January

Crystal Palace will host Chelsea at Selhurst Park this Sunday, 25 January, in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. This match, titled ‘Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’, promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams look to secure crucial points in the league standings. Crystal Palace, playing on their home turf, will aim to use their familiarity with Selhurst Park to challenge the visiting Chelsea side.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be eager to demonstrate their quality and continue their pursuit of a top position in the Premier League. The significance of this matchup lies in its potential impact on the league table, with both teams striving for success. As we examine the dynamics of this game, the performance of key players and tactical approaches will be pivotal in determining the outcome. Bettors will find this fixture particularly interesting, given the competitive nature of both teams.

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea to lead by -1.50 at halftime (Asian Handicap)	6.6

Given Chelsea’s strong starts and Crystal Palace’s vulnerability in the first half, our recommended betting tip is Chelsea -1.5 Asian Handicap in the first half. This reflects Chelsea’s tendency to seize control early and capitalise on Palace’s defensive lapses.

• Chelsea’s aggressive starts often lead to early goals, with their wide play stretching defences.
• Crystal Palace struggle to contain high-tempo openings, frequently conceding under early pressure.
• Historical data shows Chelsea building comfortable first-half leads in similar fixtures, making the handicap a realistic bet.

Betting Odds

In this Premier League clash, Chelsea are stepping onto the pitch as favourites with odds of 2.01. Crystal Palace, playing at home, are priced at 3.5, suggesting a potential upset could offer a nice payout for those backing the Eagles. The draw is also an enticing option at 3.67, especially considering the unpredictable nature of these London derbies.

Betting Tip	Odds
Crystal Palace to win	3.5
Draw	3.67
Chelsea to win	2.01

For those looking at alternative markets, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals might be worth a punt, given Chelsea’s attacking prowess and Palace’s home advantage. Keep an eye on the line-ups as they could sway the odds closer to kick-off.

Crystal Palace Analysis & Past Performance

Crystal Palace’s recent form has been less than ideal, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches. The Eagles have recorded two draws and three losses, including a recent 2-1 defeat against Sunderland away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sunderland	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Premier League	Jan 17, 2026
Macclesfield	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Defeat)	FA Cup	Jan 10, 2026
Crystal Palace	Aston Villa	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	Jan 7, 2026
Newcastle	Crystal Palace	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Premier League	Jan 4, 2026
Crystal Palace	Fulham	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	Jan 1, 2026

Recent Form:
Crystal Palace’s attack has been underwhelming, averaging just 0.60 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.40 goals per match, highlighting a vulnerability at the back. Despite these challenges, Palace have managed to keep one clean sheet, reflecting some defensive resilience.

Home Performance:
At Selhurst Park, Palace’s performances have been slightly better in terms of securing draws, with three of their last five home games ending level. However, they have not won any of these encounters, with goals being a scarce commodity, evidenced by a win ratio of 0.00 at home.

Currently positioned 13th in the Premier League standings with 28 points, their lack of goals and inability to convert possession into victories have been significant hurdles. Jean-Philippe Mateta remains a critical figure, having contributed eight goals this season, yet the team needs a broader attacking contribution to improve their standing.

• LLDLD

Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Cheick Doucouré and Daniel Muñoz are both dealing with knee injuries and are doubtful for the upcoming match against Chelsea. The absence of Doucouré, in particular, could impact the midfield’s defensive solidity and ball distribution, forcing Oliver Glasner to rely heavily on the available midfielders such as Adam Wharton and Will Hughes.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cheick Doucouré	Knee injury	Doubtful
Daniel Muñoz	Knee injury	Doubtful
Daichi Kamada	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Eddie Nketiah	Strain injury	Doubtful

Daichi Kamada’s hamstring injury rules him out until late February, which affects Palace’s creative options in attacking midfield. This absence might necessitate a more direct approach from the wings, with Brennan Johnson and Yeremy Pino expected to step up their game to fill the creative void. Eddie Nketiah’s strain injury further limits the forward line, making Jean-Philippe Mateta’s role as the lone striker even more crucial.

The lack of suspensions means that the rest of the squad can focus on adapting tactically to cover these losses. Crystal Palace may need to adopt a more cautious approach against Chelsea, potentially prioritising defensive stability over attacking flair to compensate for the missing players. This situation could influence betting markets, with Chelsea possibly seen as stronger favourites given Palace’s reduced squad depth.

Crystal Palace Key Players

Crystal Palace’s attacking threat will be led by Jean-Philippe Mateta, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. Mateta’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to the opposition’s defence. His physical presence and aerial ability provide Crystal Palace with a focal point in attack, crucial for converting chances against Chelsea.

In midfield, the dynamic duo of Yeremy Pino and Will Hughes will be pivotal. Pino’s creativity and ability to drive forward with the ball can unlock defences, while Hughes’s vision and passing range will be essential in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Their interplay could be the key to breaking through Chelsea’s defensive lines.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defence: Maxence Lacroix, Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards
• Midfield: Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, Brennan Johnson, Yeremy Pino, Will Hughes, Justin Devenny
• Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Defensively, the responsibility falls on Jefferson Lerma and Maxence Lacroix. Lerma’s robust tackling and interception skills provide a solid defensive shield, while Lacroix’s commanding presence and ability to read the game will be vital in organising the backline. Together, they form a formidable partnership that could prove challenging for Chelsea’s forwards.

Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation

Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Midfield Dynamics: Adam Wharton and Will Hughes
• Defensive Formation: Three-man defence with Maxence Lacroix, Jefferson Lerma, and Chris Richards
• Notable Strategy: Wing play with Brennan Johnson and Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace’s 3-4-2-1 formation allows for a compact defensive structure while facilitating wide play. The backline, consisting of Maxence Lacroix, Jefferson Lerma, and Chris Richards, provides a robust defensive setup aimed at countering opposition attacks effectively.

The midfield, helmed by Adam Wharton and Will Hughes, is pivotal in transitioning from defence to attack. With Brennan Johnson and Tyrick Mitchell operating as wing-backs, Palace can exploit width, delivering crosses into the box for Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is their top scorer with 8 goals this season.

Offensively, Palace may look to leverage their wing-backs’ pace to stretch the play. However, injuries to key players like Daichi Kamada and Cheick Doucouré may necessitate tactical adjustments, potentially affecting their ability to maintain clean sheets, as shown by their recent form with just one in the last five matches.

Chelsea Analysis & Past Performance

Chelsea have demonstrated a mixed bag of results in their recent encounters, securing three wins and suffering two losses in their last five outings. Notable victories include a commanding 5-1 win against Charlton in the FA Cup and a solid 2-0 league triumph over Brentford. However, they faced a narrow 3-2 defeat against Arsenal in the EFL Cup, illustrating some defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Pafos FC	1 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Brentford	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Loss)	EFL Cup	14 Jan 2026
Charlton	Chelsea	1 – 5 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Fulham	Chelsea	2 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Chelsea have averaged 2.20 goals per game, while conceding 1.20, reflecting a potent attack but a somewhat leaky defence. They’ve kept two clean sheets, indicating potential defensive resilience at times. Away from home, their form has been less consistent, winning just two of their last five away fixtures and averaging 1.40 goals scored per game.

Chelsea currently stand 6th in the Premier League with 34 points. Their away form, however, has been a concern, with a win ratio of 0.30, having drawn four and lost three of their ten away games. This inconsistency on the road could be a crucial factor as they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

João Pedro continues to be a key figure for Chelsea, having scored seven goals this season. His ability to influence games could be pivotal in Chelsea’s push for a higher league standing. Overall, Chelsea’s ability to maintain their scoring efficiency while tightening up their defence will be vital in their upcoming fixtures.

• WWLWL

Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries

Chelsea are set to face Crystal Palace without several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup. Levi Colwill is out with a cruciate ligament injury, and his defensive capabilities will be sorely missed, especially against a competitive Palace attack. The absence of Roméo Lavia and Tosin Adarabioyo, both dealing with thigh injuries, further diminishes Chelsea’s options in central areas, potentially forcing a reshuffle in the midfield and defensive lines.

Caleb Wiley’s groin injury means he will also be unavailable, further limiting Chelsea’s depth on the flanks. These injuries might compel coach Liam Rosenior to rely on less experienced squad members or make tactical adjustments, possibly altering the balance of the team. The starting lineup will see players like Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah stepping up to fill gaps, while the midfield will lean heavily on the skills of Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo to maintain control.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Colwill	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Caleb Wiley	Groin injury	Early February 2026
Roméo Lavia	Thigh injury	Early February 2026
Tosin Adarabioyo	Thigh injury	Doubtful

These absences could influence betting odds, as Chelsea’s diminished squad depth and potential tactical changes might affect their ability to control the game. With key players missing, Chelsea will need to show resilience and adaptability to secure a positive result at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea Key Players

João Pedro stands out as Chelsea’s top scorer with seven goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box will be pivotal against Crystal Palace. As the focal point of Chelsea’s attack, João Pedro’s performance could be a decisive factor in securing vital points on their visit to Selhurst Park.

In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are expected to control the tempo and provide both defensive solidity and creative spark. Fernández’s vision and passing range make him a key playmaker, capable of unlocking defences with precise through balls. Meanwhile, Caicedo’s energy and ball-winning capabilities will be crucial in breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning play forward. Reece James’s presence in defence is also significant; his ability to support attacks while maintaining defensive duties offers Chelsea tactical flexibility.

Expected lineup for Chelsea

• Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
• Defence: Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Reece James
• Midfield: Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Neto
• Forward: João Pedro

The strengths of these key players lie in their synergy and versatility, which could shape Chelsea’s tactical approach. João Pedro’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with the midfield dynamism of Fernández and Caicedo, allows Chelsea to adopt a fluid attacking strategy. However, ensuring defensive stability while pushing forward will be a critical balance to strike against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea Tactics and Formation

Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Pivot: Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández
• Defensive Strength: Recent clean sheet against Pafos FC
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on midfield control.

Chelsea’s current 4-2-3-1 formation under Liam Rosenior is designed to maximise their midfield strength while maintaining a solid defensive base. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández form a robust midfield pivot, crucial for both defensive cover and initiating attacks. João Pedro, leading the attack, provides a focal point with his scoring ability, having netted seven goals this season.

Defensively, the inclusion of Reece James and Marc Cucurella as full-backs, alongside Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong, offers a blend of experience and youth. This backline’s ability to maintain a clean sheet in their recent Champions League match against Pafos FC demonstrates their defensive capabilities.

Offensively, Chelsea emphasise high pressing and quick transitions, enabling them to exploit opposition vulnerabilities. The attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, and Pedro Neto supports João Pedro with dynamic movement and creativity, which is key to breaking down defensive setups.

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record

Crystal Palace and Chelsea have faced off 29 times, with Chelsea dominating the head-to-head record with 22 wins compared to Palace’s 4, alongside 3 draws. The last encounter ended in a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in August 2025, showing Palace’s resilience away from home.

When it comes to Premier League meetings, Chelsea have been the stronger side, consistently outperforming Palace. The last time Crystal Palace hosted Chelsea at Selhurst Park, it ended in a 1-1 draw in January 2025, suggesting Palace can hold their own at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Crystal Palace	0 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-17
Crystal Palace	Chelsea	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-01-04
Chelsea	Crystal Palace	1 – 1	Premier League	2024-09-01
Crystal Palace	Chelsea	1 – 3	Premier League	2024-02-12
Chelsea	Crystal Palace	2 – 1	Premier League	2023-12-27