Chelsea have a lot of players who are capable of hurting Crystal Palace when they take on the Community Shield winners on Sunday.
Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with a London derby against Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Last season, Palace boss Oliver Glasner warned his side about Cole Palmer, highlighting his effectiveness when playing between the lines.
However, the attacking midfielder is not the only Chelsea player the Eagles will have to worry about this weekend.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner throws arms in the air
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto have torn through Crystal Palace’s defence before
In previous seasons, Palace have had real trouble dealing with Palmer and Pedro Neto.
Palmer made an impact in both of Chelsea’s games against the south London club last term, registering an assist at Stamford Bridge before scoring in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park.
Neto is yet to score against Palace in his career and was not involved in any of Chelsea’s goals against them during the 2024/25 campaign. At former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, though, he still proved to be a thorn in their side.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
In nine Premier League appearances versus Palace, Neto has registered four assists.
Player Appearances Goals Assists
Cole Palmer 4 1 3
Pedro Neto 9 0 *4
Via Cole Palmer’s Transfermarkt and Pedro Neto’s Transfermarkt pages. *Penalty won counted as an assist by Transfermarkt
Neto will want to put in another good performance against Palace, as the Portuguese knows that Estevao Willian is already breathing down his neck.
Estevao really impressed in Chelsea’s short pre-season, scoring in their 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Estevao has now caught the eye of Gary Lineker, who has described the Brazilian as “special”.
Pedro Neto enters the field ahead of Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace score prediction
Chelsea must feel on top of the world right now, quite literally. Enzo Maresca‘s men are world champions after winning the Club World Cup last month.
They look like a serious team at the moment, largely because of the threat that attackers such as Palmer and Neto pose.
Cole Palmer celebrates during Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Bearing that in mind, then, you can easily see Chelsea beating Palace 3-1 or by a similar scoreline on Sunday if they are at their best.
After that, the Blues face West Ham United and Fulham before the international break.