There is very little that can be said to cover the last couple of weeks as a Palace fan, other than to try and explain the feeling as a real ‘smack in the face’.
An article for The Athletic this week by Nick Miller perfectly described the goings on, in and around the club over recent weeks which included the sale of captain Marc Guehi, the news that Oliver Glasner moves on this summer, and Jean-Philippe Mateta wanting to leave the club before the January window closes.
As Nick rightly states, this goes beyond Crystal Palace Football Club as what is happening right now is not a first and will happen again. This is no time to cover the whys and wherefores as there is a game of football to play.
This is the first home game since the news last week which is very fresh in the minds of all, sending social media into overdrive. Since the comments from Glasner in his pre-match press conference for Sunderland, our Facebook page has had a record amount of interaction which is not a surprise!
It will be interesting to see how Glasner and Mateta will be welcomed, although there was a question mark as to whether the French striker will feature amid rumours of a transfer request being handed in. Glasner has denied this, and Mateta will play.
There is a real need for some positivity after the last couple of weeks and a good start will be a result of sorts this weekend to get everyone back on the same page.
Not only has Glasner and his staff had a whole week with the players on the training ground, he welcomes back Ismaila Sarr from his success at the AFCON, as well as Daniel Munoz, both of which will be a huge boost to the squad and fans alike. They have been hugely missed.
Another big positive is the news that Cheick Doucoure has made a return to the training pitch if only light work.
The Eagles head into the game in a poor run of form having not won a game in ten and losing at Sunderland last weekend. The visitors made hard work midweek against Cypriot side Pafos in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge which followed a Premier League win against in form Brentford.
It has been confirmed that following the departure of Guehi, Dean Henderson will be the captain for the remainder of the season, while Will Hughes and Maxence Lacroix will be vice-captains.
🦅 Crystal Palace vs Chelsea 🔵
Premier League – Matchday 23
📅 Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 2:00pm GMT
🏟 Venue: Selhurst Park, London
🔎 Match Overview
Chelsea travel across London looking to build momentum under new manager Liam Rosenior, while Palace are searching for stability during a turbulent spell on and off the pitch. This derby arrives at a crucial point in the season for both sides, with Chelsea chasing a Champions League place and Palace trying to halt a worrying slide down the table.
Chelsea currently sit 6th with 34 points, whereas Palace are 13th on 28 points, having failed to win any of their last seven league matches.
🦅 Crystal Palace – Current Form & Focus
Oliver Glasner’s side have endured a difficult January:
- ❌ Seven league games without a win
- ❌ FA Cup exit to non‑league Macclesfield Town
- 🔄 Defensive reshuffle following Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City
Despite the turmoil, Selhurst Park remains a tricky venue. Palace have still managed to grind out home draws, with Jean‑Philippe Mateta providing a focal point up front after scoring six of their last seven home goals.
Ismaïla Sarr’s return from AFCON is a major boost, restoring pace and penetration to Palace’s counter‑attacking threat.
Key Absences (Palace)
- Daichi Kamada – injured
- Eddie Nketiah – injured
- Cheick Doucouré – fitness
🔵 Chelsea – Current Form & Focus
Life under Liam Rosenior has begun positively:
- ✅ 3 wins from 4 matches in all competitions
- ✅ 2‑0 derby win over Brentford last weekend
- 🔐 Improved defensive structure
Chelsea are two points off the top four and know wins like this are essential. They also boast an outstanding recent record against Palace, unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings (13 wins, 3 draws).
Cole Palmer and João Pedro provide creativity and goals, while Robert Sánchez is set to return in goal after missing the Brentford match.
Key Absences (Chelsea)
- Levi Colwill – long‑term injury
- Romeo Lavia – injured
- Tosin Adarabioyo – fitness
🧠 Tactical Battle
- Palace are likely to line up in a 3‑4‑2‑1, sitting deep and looking to exploit transitions through Sarr and Mateta.
- Chelsea should control possession in a 4‑2‑3‑1, relying on Palmer’s movement between the lines and João Pedro’s finishing.
How Palace cope defensively without Guehi against Chelsea’s fluid front four could decide the outcome.
📺 How to Watch (UK)
- TV: Sky Sports Premier League
- Kick‑off build‑up: From 12:30pm GMT
🔮 Match Prediction
Palace’s home support and Chelsea’s tendency to drop points away could keep this competitive early on. However, Chelsea’s sharper attacking edge and recent momentum make them favourites.
Predicted score:
Crystal Palace 1–2 Chelsea
Officials
- Referee: Darren England
- Assistants: Scott Ledger, Akil Howson
- Fourth official: Tony Harrington
- VAR: Matt Donohue
- Assistant VAR: Con Hatzidakis
