Chelsea have not been handed the easiest first Premier League game of the season, however may find themselves not having to face one of their opponent’s best players on Sunday.
FA Cup winners Crystal Palace are the first visitors to Stamford Bridge of the season, with Enzo Maresca’s side having just two pre-season games under their belts.
Those games did not show signs of rustiness though. Joao Pedro and Liam Delap continued to find the net, whilst Chelsea fans began to get excited about Estevao Willian ahead of his senior debut.
Trevoh Chalobah is likely to start against his former side, with key centre-back Levi Colwill out injured for a prolonged period of time.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
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Eberechi Eze set to miss Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea will be well aware of the threat Palace offer after not being able to get the better of them in either meeting last season.
One of their best players is undoubtedly Eberechi Eze. He was described last season by Alan Shearer as ‘unstoppable’ (Premier League).
However, it looks as if Palace are set to be missing him for the first game of the season. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has stated that the England international is set to miss the match due to speculation over a potential move to Tottenham.
He said: “Eberechi Eze pushing to join Tottenham! He agreed on personal terms with Spurs & wants to leave Crystal Palace. Eze expected to be left out of the squad against Chelsea this Sunday. Eze wants to leave Crystal Palace. Conflict looming. Palace already in talks for his replacement. Wait&See…”
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Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
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Eze starred against Chelsea last season
Early in the season, Maresca had his side in good form following an opening day defeat, and they found themselves 1-0 up at home against Palace in September 2024.
However, Eze stepped up with a brilliant strike from range to level the game, and the Blues dropped two points to a side that were yet to win at that point of the season.
While missing the attacking midfielder is likely to be a blow for Palace, they still have plenty of threats that can hurt the Blues.
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr will cause issues for Maresca’s side as they look to get their season underway in the best possible way.