Chelsea open the new Premier League campaign today with a London derby against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have already bagged a trophy with the Uefa Super Cup but, with the Champions League claimed in May, it’s now about returning to the summit of English football.
For Palace, it’s a new dawn with Patrick Vieira in charge and some impressive summer dealing. Roy Hodgson guaranteed safety, but little else - can Vieira build on that? His first task is up there with the toughest he will face.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off today - Saturday, August 14, 2021.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
The match will not be televised live in the UK with the Premier League reverting back to the Saturday 3pm blackout following the return of fans to stadiums.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace lineups
Chelsea: Mendy; Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Pulisic; Werner
Crystal Palace: Guaita, Ward, Kouyate, Guehi, Mitchell, McArthur, Riedewald, Schlupp, Zaha, Mateta, Ayew
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace prediction
Another piece of silverware in midweek means Chelsea are flying high even before Lukaku joined the ranks.
Vieira will know his team are up against it in his first game, but could they take advantage of any first-day-back nerves with a new man in the dugout?
Unlikely. Chelsea to win 3-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
- Chelsea wins: 31
- Draws: 15
- Crystal Palace: 12
Betting odds and tips
- Chelsea to win: 1/3
- Draw: 9/2
- Crystal Palace to win: Between 12/1 and 13/1
