The Blues are back in domestic action after being crowned world champions in mid-July, as goals from Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro sunk Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.

Following that, they took just three weeks off before returning for pre-season at Cobham, winning two friendlies in quick succession against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

A range of new signings could make their competitive debuts on Sunday. Jamie Gittens, Estevao, and Jorrel Hato are all yet to contest an official match for the Blues, while Liam Delap and Pedro both appeared at the Club World Cup.

For Crystal Palace, the high of winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Europa League was promptly followed by demotion to the Conference League for a violation of multi-club ownership rules, which was held up on appeal.

They launched their 2025-26 season with silverware, though, beating Liverpool on penalties to claim the Community Shield.

Off-pitch, transfer dealings have been limited. Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi have both been at the centre of swirling speculation but are set to remain in south London for Palace’s season opener. There have been just two arrivals in the form of former PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez and Ajax full-back Borna Sosa.

Date, kick-off time and venue
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 2pm BST kick-off on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

The match will take place at Stamford Bridge.

The first-leg encounter between the two teams ended in a resounding 5-1 victory for the Gunners, giving the home side a morale boost ahead of tonight’s match.

Arsenal is second in the league standings with 66 points, while Crystal Palace is in twelfth place with 44 points.

The match is crucial in the battle for the top spot, as an Arsenal defeat to Crystal Palace will officially hand Liverpool the league title.

If the London team draws, the Reds will need just one point from their upcoming match against Tottenham, scheduled for next Sunday at Anfield, to clinch their 20th title.

Conversely, Liverpool must beat Tottenham if Arsenal wins tonight to be crowned champions of the most prestigious domestic competition.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 23 April at the Emirates Stadium.

A remarkable clash with Brighton produced three red cards, of which two were for Palace players, leaving Marc Guehi and Eddie Nketiah suspended for this game. There are also injury concerns over Maxence Lacroix.

City, meanwhile, need to build some momentum in the race to qualify for the Champions League, which now covers the top five in the Premier League thanks to Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid.

Palace have been somewhat of a bogey team for Pep Guardiola in recent years with City dropping points in four of their last seven meetings.

Date, kick-off time and venue:
Man City vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 12.30pm BST kick-off today, Saturday, April 12, 2025.