A high-stakes London derby unfolds at Selhurst Park this Sunday. Crystal Palace search for stability as they host a Chelsea outfit looking to ignite a late-season charge.
Oliver Glasner remains at the helm of the Eagles despite recent internal friction. However, his side is currently weathering a storm. Palace have failed to win any of their last seven Premier League matches. In contrast, Chelsea arrive with a fresh sense of optimism under Liam Rosenior. They secured a midweek European victory against Pafos and seek consecutive league wins. Palace remain winless in their last 16 top-flight meetings against the Blues.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: Matt Donohue
- Last Meeting: Chelsea 0–0 Crystal Palace (17 Aug 2025), Premier League
Team News
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner confirmed that Daniel Muñoz is fit to return to the squad. Ismaïla Sarr also returns after winning AFCON with Senegal. Dean Henderson takes over as club captain following Marc Guéhi’s move to Manchester City. However, Cheick Doucouré, Eddie Nketiah, and Daichi Kamada remain unavailable for selection. Top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta is confirmed to lead the attack today.
Chelsea
Liam Rosenior expects to welcome Cole Palmer back to the starting XI. The talisman missed the midweek trip to Cyprus due to thigh tightness. Enzo Fernández, Jamie Gittens, and Estêvão Willian have all recovered from recent illness. The Blues remain without goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen and midfielder Dario Essugo. Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo also continue their spells on the sidelines.
Form
Crystal Palace
Crisis in possession has plagued the Eagles under Glasner. Only three teams have dropped more points from winning positions since his arrival. Palace have kept just three clean sheets in their last 34 league games against Chelsea. Notably, six of their last seven league goals at home came via Jean-Philippe Mateta. They must break an eight-year hoodoo against the visitors this afternoon.
Chelsea
Chelsea have enjoyed significant capital gains in recent seasons. Since 2022-23, they have earned 73 points in London derbies. Only Arsenal have a better record in the capital during that period. The Blues have failed to score in only one of their last 16 trips to Selhurst Park. Rosenior could become the first English manager since 2021 to win his first two league games.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Lerma; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Mateta
Chelsea Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage starts at 13:00 GMT on both television and the Sky Go app.
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