It will be intriguing to see how Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will set up when the new season begins.
The full Premier League fixtures for the 2025/26 season were confirmed on Wednesday morning, and Chelsea begin with a home match against Crystal Palace.
On paper, the Blues have a kind set of fixtures to build some early momentum.
Chelsea beat Palace 3-0 on the opening day of the 2021/22 season, so supporters would love history to repeat itself.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
The Chelsea Chronicle predicts the Blues XI we’re expecting to see start the first match of the season at home to Palace. Incidentally, it includes three new signings, including two that haven’t even happened.
Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan isn’t a Chelsea player yet and is still on AC Milan’s books, but we’re boldly predicting he will be starting for the Blues by the time the Premier League season begins in mid-August. The 29-year-old French goalkeeper, who’s heavily linked with a move to West London in the transfer rumour mill, may be someone to keep an eye on. It’s been claimed that Chelsea could re-enter talks to sign Maignan, so perhaps this deal could happen.
Reece James
In 2025, Chelsea captain Reece James continues to take giant strides forward by keeping himself fit for an extended period. The all-action right-back is one of the first names on the team sheet when available.
Tosin Adarabioyo
While the Blues are linked with a move to sign a new central defender, we’re tipping a familiar partnership to start next season. First up, Tosin Adarabioyo has become such a reliable centre-half, starting the recent win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup opener.
Levi Colwill
Next to Tosin, Levi Colwill feels like an automatic starter in the XI as the left-sided centre-back. He’s only going to keep improving as a player moving into next season.
Marc Cucurella
To complete the defence, Marc Cucurella plays at left-back. Chelsea must sign Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to provide cover and competition in the full-back area, but it will take something special to dislodge Cucurella from the best line-up.
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo, who played every single game of last season’s Premier League, is an automatic starter in Chelsea’s side. We’re super excited to see what the aggressive defensive midfielder can do during his third season with the club.
Enzo Fernandez
Even though there’s a lot of competition for places in the central midfield area, Enzo Fernandez feels like the most likely partner for Caicedo. Chelsea believe they have one of Europe’s greatest midfields with their current stars.
Pedro Neto
A number of Blues stars will be eyeing the right-wing spot in Maresca’s XI, but we’ve gone with Pedro Neto to start the campaign as the starting wide man.
Cole Palmer
Of course, Cole Palmer slots into the No.10 position as the side’s talisman. For the first time in his Chelsea career, he’s got some pressure on him to start well because the goals have dried up this calendar year.
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens, who’s still a Borussia Dortmund player, is another potential signing we’re putting in Chelsea’s predicted XI to face Palace. It’s been reported that Gittens only wants to join Chelsea as speculation continues around his future. The talented left-winger could go straight into the Blues team if they secure a transfer deal.
Liam Delap
With Nicolas Jackson suspended for the opening day of next season, Liam Delap feels like a no-brainer to lead the line for Chelsea. He got off to an impressive start with an assist on his debut against LAFC at the Club World Cup. We expect to see the centre-forward pick up some momentum from now until the start of the league campaign.
If the predicted XI is correct, it would leave a pretty stacked bench for Maresca to call upon. For example, the likes of Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and Estevao Willian could be on the sidelines waiting to feature.
