Chelsea’s predicted lineup for their match against Crystal Palace features Jamie Gittens and João Pedro starting up front, with Pedro Neto on the wing. Here’s a breakdown of the potential starting XI ¹:
– Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez will likely retain his place in goal.

– Defenders:
– Right-back: Reece James
– Center-backs: Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo (Levi Colwill is out with a ruptured ACL)
– Left-back: Marc Cucurella

– Midfielders:
– Defensive midfielders: Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in a double pivot
– Attacking midfielder: Cole Palmer as the team’s number 10 in an advanced position

– Forwards:
– Right wing: Pedro Neto
– Left wing: Jamie Gittens, making his Premier League debut
– Striker: João Pedro, who scored a brace in the Club World Cup final

This lineup suggests an unchanged team from Chelsea’s last friendly against AC Milan. With Gittens and Pedro starting on the wings, Chelsea’s attack looks promising. João Pedro’s inclusion upfront adds goal-scoring threat, given his impressive form in recent matches.

Key Factors:

– Jamie Gittens’ Impact: The £52 million signing from Borussia Dortmund could bring significant creativity and pace to Chelsea’s left wing.
– Pedro Neto’s Role: Starting on the right wing, Neto’s skills and speed could cause problems for Crystal Palace’s defense.
– João Pedro’s Finishing: The new signing’s goalscoring ability will be crucial for Chelsea’s success, especially after his impressive display in the Club World Cup final.

Match Details:

– Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
– Time: 2:00 PM local time (BST) at Stamford Bridge
– Opponent: Crystal Palace

With this lineup, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea aims to start the season strongly and continue their dominance over Crystal Palace. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the Premier League ².