Despite the trophies, questions remain over Maresca. Chelsea’s form collapsed midway through last season, and they only secured Champions League qualification on the final day after briefly keeping pace with Liverpool at the top in December.
Pre-season was short due to their Club World Cup commitments, and although the Blues once again spent heavily in the transfer market, few see them as serious title contenders. They managed two friendlies before the new season, beating Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan at home, but the real test begins now, starting with four straight London derbies against Palace, West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.
Chelsea were beaten by Manchester City on the opening weekend last year, but it has been more than two decades since they lost their first league match in back-to-back seasons. Palace, meanwhile, have proved kind opposition, with Chelsea unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League meetings, including seven wins in eight at Stamford Bridge. The Blues also faced Palace on the opening day in 2021 and won 3-0, part of a perfect record when opening the season against London rivals.
Palace face a tough start. After losing their appeal against demotion to the Conference League, they must take on Fredrikstad in a two-legged playoff starting Thursday, in addition to a tricky league run that includes Chelsea, Aston Villa and a feisty home clash with Nottingham Forest before the month is out.
Oliver Glasner’s men, though, will not be short on belief. They stunned Liverpool in the Community Shield, holding the champions to a draw before prevailing on penalties, and they are unbeaten in their last nine competitive matches.
The futures of stars Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi could cast some uncertainty, but Palace will still aim to make a stronger start than last season, when they managed just one win from their first 13 league games.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea’s defensive options have taken a hit with Levi Colwill sidelined for most of the season after tearing his ACL in preseason. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are also unavailable, which should see Tosin Adarabioyo partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defence.Up front, Nicolas Jackson serves a suspension following his red card at Newcastle on the final day of last season. That opens the door for Joao Pedro to start, even though Liam Delap staked his claim with two goals off the bench against AC Milan in Chelsea’s last friendly. Midfielder Romeo Lavia is another absentee, meaning the lineup that faced Milan may well be the one Enzo Maresca sticks with here.
Palace welcomed back Adam Wharton for the Community Shield after he missed the end of last season, and captain Marc Guehi also returned, though his future is uncertain with Liverpool circling. Daichi Kamada picked up a knock in that match, so Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are competing to partner Wharton in midfield.
Eddie Nketiah will miss out after suffering a muscle injury in preseason, joining long-term absentees Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad on the sidelines.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; Joao Pedro
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Eze
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
