Palace look to continue their fantastic Wembley form into the new 2025/26 season with a trip to face Word Club Cup and UEFA Conference League champions Chelsea in west London.
Following the triumphs in the FA Cup Final v Manchester City and Community Shield v Liverpool, there is a general sense of optimism going into the campaign even against a side that had their fair share of trophy success last term.
We spoke to @CFCExtra to find out their thoughts prior to kick off.
TEB: The start of the new season is here already, so how has pre season been for Chelsea?
CFCextra: Pre season? What pre season? With the club world cup taking up so much of the summer, we’ve had a pretty unusual pre season and only squeezed in a couple friendly games. Despite that, it turned out to be two winning performances against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan and much to our surprise; the squad did not look too jaded considering the short turnaround from the World Club Cup.
TEB: Chelsea’s triumph in the World Club Cup was impressive over the summer. How did the tournament shape up overall from a fan perspective and did you enjoy your club being involved?
CFCextra: I thought it was a great tournament for us and has totally transformed the mood around the club. It allowed us to capitalise on our strong end to last season and put together a great run of performances. I was lucky enough to go to one of the matches while on holiday and really enjoyed it.
TEB: In terms of transfers, Chelsea have been busy this summer yet again. What are your opinions on the new faces brought in by Boehly and co?
CFCextra: After a very poor transfer window last summer, we’ve got things right this time around. Many of the holes in our squad have been filled with real quality players like Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Estevao. It is early days but I feel the club has done some good business.
TEB: Are there any unknown quantities at Chelsea this season that you feel will step up and make a big difference?
CFCextra: Andrey Santos is going to be a massive player for us this season and has gone slightly under the radar due to being out on loan. He also did not have a large price tag when we brought him so that helps lower the pressure. He can do a bit of everything and it wouldn’t surprise me if he nails down a starting spot before too long.
TEB: This seems like a crazy question but is Maresca still the man to take Chelsea forward?
CFCextra: We all know how quickly things can change in football and particularly at Chelsea but I don’t see why not. He ultimately delivered a good season last year, winning two trophies. Also, the players appear to like him and the positive mentality he has created in the last few months is very refreshing. I like the way he speaks in press conferences as well – very confident and assured in himself and the players.
TEB: What are your thoughts on Palace and how do you feel we will fare this campaign?
CFCextra: I haven’t paid a huge amount of attention to Palace’s movement this transfer window but from an outsiders view, it seems like you’re still in a good place following last season and will want to continue that momentum. Keeping Glasner has to be the main priority and if you do that, Palace will still be strong. It will be interesting to see how the club responds if Guehi and Eze move on the last two weeks of the window. Those two are big players to replace at short notice.
TEB: Early ambitions for Chelsea?
CFCextra: We’re not title challengers yet despite the club world cup success and Levi Colwill being out for the season all but confirms that. A good season for us would be a comfortable top four finish and a domestic cup win.
TEB: Prior to the game at Stamford Bridge, is there a weak link in the Chelsea line up that Palace should be looking to exploit?
CFCextra: We have an injury crisis at centre back currently so that’s the obvious weak link. Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoît Badiashileare all unavailable so it’s likely we’ll have one of Josh Acheampong or Wesley Fofana starting alongside to Trevoh Chalobah. Both are very good players but the former is inexperienced and the latter still isn’t fully fit. If Mateta can isolate either, we could be in trouble.
TEB: If you could sign one current Palace player for Chelsea, who would it be and why?
CFCextra: We don’t really have a space for him in our squad at the moment but Adam Wharton would be the one. He is a fantastic player and would make nearly every team in the division better.
TEB: Expectations for the game this weekend including final score prediction?
CFCextra: I can see Palace having some joy against us due to aforementioned defensive injuries but we’re in good form right now and I’m still predicting a Chelsea win with a few goals scored. 4-2 to Chelsea.
