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Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: January 25, 2026 Venue: Selhurst Park Kickoff Time: 16:00 This London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea is as much about the touchline as it is the pitch. If you’re ready to cash in, be sure to check out the best betting sites for football to evaluate both teams ahead of kickoff. While Oliver Glasner has experienced the rush and intensity of this fixture before, opposite him will be the newly appointed Blues manager, Liam Rosenior, who will be eager to prove himself and have no better way to do it than in a London derby. Glasner has steadily shaped Palace into a notoriously hard-to-beat side, showing heart, a desire to grind out results, and the capability to upset bigger clubs on their day.

Marc Strydom
Marc Strydom

Last updated: 2026-01-20

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

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Estevao of Chelsea is challenged by Justin Devenny of Crystal Palace

Estevao is challenged by Justin Devenny / Getty Images

On the other hand, Chelsea arrives deeply searching for consistency and momentum. Yet, along with the new manager bounce, wealth of attacking talent, and pedigree they possess, they are not to be written off or taken lightly as they remain dangerous in any fixture. 

Selhurst Park is ready once again to play its part when Crystal Palace get set to welcome city rivals Chelsea to South London on 25 January 2026. The Holmesdale End will be bouncing and ready to create an atmosphere where Palace can feed off as they aim to put the Blues to the sword. 

Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability

  1. HOME (CRYSTAL PALACE): 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%

  2. DRAW: 53/20 (3.65) – 27.4%

  3. AWAY (CHELSEA): 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%

    Odds courtesy of William Hill, subject to change.

Head-To-Head Record

Last five meetings (All Competitions)

  • 17/08/2025: Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
  • 04/01/2025: Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea 
  • 01/09/2024: Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace 
  • 12/02/2024: Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea 
  • 27/12/2023: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace 

Crystal Palace Current Form – LLDLD

Crystal Palace, particularly at Selhurst Park against a so-called “Big Six” opponent, usually focuses on discipline and organization, which has rewarded them with results that have earned high praise. Under Glasner, they have built a clear identity that is to frustrate, press, and counter with real ferocity. Despite the fluctuating results, Palace can click into gear and take on any team with real purpose. 

However, coming into this big matchup, recent performances suggest that Palace have been far off their usual high standards. In a game of few clear chances, the Eagles had to settle for a point against Fulham. A tough trip to Newcastle resulted in defeat, followed by a goalless draw at home with Aston Villa, highlighting the lack of cutting-edge and confidence. 

To make matters worse, Palace were knocked out of the FA Cup by Macclesfield Town before going to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland. The Black Cats were commanding as usual at home and made the Eagles suffer for long spells in another tough defeat. 

After a tough few weeks, Glasner needs to use this occasion to motivate and inject renewed energy into his players, as a victory here could be the turning point for them to go on a positive run and climb the table.

Key Players To Watch

  • Jean-Philippe Mateta: Mateta gives Palace a reference point up front. He is a striker who can battle center-backs, stretch defences with direct runs, and finish chances under pressure with composure. His intensity and physical edge define Palace’s attacking approach, and his goals reflect how important he has become.  
  • Brennan Johnson: Palace has provided Johnson a platform to rediscover his best form after falling out of favour at Tottenham. He’s at his most dangerous when running at defenders and attacking space with real intent, offering the Eagles a constant outlet in quick transitions.
  • Marc Guehi: Guehi remains a hot target for many clubs and belongs in the conversation among Europe’s elite defenders. Calm, commanding, and technically superb, he’s the definition of a modern defender. He wins duels, plays out from the back with ease, and leads by example, the type of skillset that enables him to excel in any system. 

Crystal Palace Team News

Crystal Palace will be boosted by the return of several players from minor injuries, which will infuse confidence and belief amongst the team as they head into this matchup. In transfer news, Brannan Johnson left Tottenham to become the latest signing for the Eagles. 

Chelsea Current Form – WLWLD

After a trophy-filled summer that included winning the FIFA Club World Cup, their Premier League form has been patchy. A managerial switch has thrust Liam Rosenior into the spotlight, giving him the task of steadying the ship and extracting consistency from a squad brimming with talent. With expectations so high on the blue side of London, Rosenior needs a fast start to his tenure with the Blues.

The last five games have seen Chelsea go through a difficult period, but they have remained highly competitive, despite the uncertainty. Against Fulham, they were unable to break down the Cottagers in a narrow defeat, but made light work of Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup after a statement victory to advance into the next round in Rosenior's first match in charge. 

Unfortunately, in what was a high-intensity battle at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea fell short in their first leg Carabao Cup semi-final against rivals Arsenal, handing Rosenior his first loss on the touchline. Brentford was next, and the Bees challenged Chelsea for the entire 90 minutes. 

Last time out, Rosenior fielded his first Champions League side to face Pafos and showed their true potential in a match where they dominated. Now with Palace in sight, a victory here will instill growing trust and belief in Rosenior while collecting a valuable three points. 

Key Players To Watch

  • Estevao: What sets Estevao apart is his complete attacking profile. He combines fearless one-on-one ability with exceptional technical quality and a proven scoring instinct. Whether drifting into pockets of space or driving directly at defenders, he’s rapidly cementing his status as one of football’s most exciting young talents.  
  • Enzo Fernandez: Fernandez is the complete midfielder every coach dreams of having. His ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the field has taken his game up a level. From providing security for his defensive line to pulling the strings in attack, his influence and impact are unmatched. 
  • Joao Pedro: Pedro’s versatility allows him to operate across the frontline, drop deep, or drift wide, constantly creating problems for defenders. He can take players on, link up play, score goals, and provide assists, making him a dynamic force in attack for Chelsea. 

Chelsea Team News

Romeo Lavia (thigh) is working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a thigh injury and could be back in the matchday squad sooner rather than later. Levi Colwill (ACL) is still going through his rehabilitation process after an ACL injury and will miss most of the season. Marc Cucurella (red card) is serving his suspension and will only return after matchday 24. 

Predicted Line-Up

  1. Crystal Palace: 3-6-1
    Henderson, Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi, Wharton, Hughes, Devenny, Micthell, Pino, Johnson, Mateta

  2. Chelsea: 4-2-3-1
    Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Fofana, Hato, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Palmer, Pedro Neto, Pedro 

Suggested Bets

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  1. Both Teams To Score (Yes): Both teams have attacking threats and have shown to crack under pressure defensively. 67/100 (1.67) with Betway.

  2. Total (Over 2.5): With this being a derby, expect both teams to be relentless in attack and be decisive in the final third. 77/100 (1.77) with Unibet. 

  3. Chelsea To Win (Yes): Chelsea are the favourites and will show their true potential in this matchup. 23/20 (2.15) with William Hill.

Value Bets

Feel the excitement of a major fixture, armed with informed tips and winning odds that boost your chances of hitting big.

  1. First Half – First Goal (Crystal Palace): Having home ground advantage will encourage Palace to start strong and attack Chelsea early. 39/20 (2.95) with Midnite

  2. Half Time/Full Time (Draw/Chelsea): The first half will be a tactical battle, but as the game opens up, the Blues will impose themselves after the break. 23/5 (5.60) with BetMGM. 

  3. Chelsea To Score In Both Halves (Yes). With Palace showing defensive frailties in recent matches, Chelsea will look to put the Eagles under pressure, especially given the amount of quality they possess. 21/10 (3.10) with Betfred. 

Prediction: Chelsea To Win

In a fixture that will see both teams eager to land maximum points, Palace will compete, press, and frustrate, but Chelsea’s depth, control, and attacking power should prove decisive. 

Marc Strydom
Marc StrydomSports Writer

A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.

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