Chelsea coming to Selhurst Park used to feel like a foregone conclusion. For years, the Blues treated this fixture like a scheduled three points, racking up an absurd eleven-game winning streak against the Eagles that finally snapped recently. But honestly? Things have changed. As we look toward the January 25, 2026, meeting, the vibe in South London is shifted. It’s gritty. It’s unpredictable.
The last time these two met at Stamford Bridge back in August, it was a 0-0 stalemate that left everyone a bit frustrated. Oliver Glasner’s side actually had the ball in the net—a screaming Eberechi Eze free-kick—only for VAR to ruthlessly chalk it off because Marc Guéhi was standing a fraction of a meter too close to the Chelsea wall. It’s those tiny, annoying margins that define Crystal Palace vs Chelsea these days.
The Liam Rosenior Factor and Chelsea’s New Identity
Chelsea is currently in a weird spot. Liam Rosenior has been in the dugout for exactly one week as of mid-January 2026, taking over a squad that has more talent than it knows what to do with but lacks a cohesive soul. They’re sitting 8th in the Premier League. Not terrible, but for a club that spent enough on players to buy a small country, it’s not exactly "title contender" territory.
Rosenior’s task is basically to stop the "slapstick" moments. Chelsea has this habit of dominating possession—sometimes upwards of 70%—and then getting absolutely shredded on a single transition. We saw it against Ipswich; we saw it against Fulham. They play this 3-2-5 or 3-1-6 structure that looks beautiful on a tactical whiteboard but leaves huge, gaping holes if Enzo Fernández or Moisés Caicedo loses a duel in the middle of the park.
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Can Palace Recover from the Macclesfield Disaster?
You can't talk about Crystal Palace right now without mentioning the FA Cup. Getting knocked out 2-1 by Macclesfield just days ago was, quite frankly, a disaster. Glasner looked shell-shocked in his post-match interview. He talked about a "lack of quality" and "no timing." It was brutal honesty from a manager who usually keeps his cool.
But the Premier League is a different beast. Palace is 13th, and when they play the "Big Six," they transform. They’re dogged. With Marc Guéhi potentially playing some of his last games for the club—Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly circling him as his contract winds down—there is a sense of urgency. Palace isn't just defending; they are surviving.
Key Tactical Battles to Watch
The game on the 25th will likely be won or lost in the "pockets."
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- Cole Palmer vs. Tyrick Mitchell: Palmer is still the heartbeat of this Chelsea side. If he finds space to turn, Palace is in trouble. Mitchell has to be perfect.
- The Mateta Physicality: Jean-Philippe Mateta has this uncanny ability to bully center-backs. If Chelsea starts Tosin Adarabioyo, it’s going to be a heavyweight wrestling match for 90 minutes.
- Adam Wharton’s Vision: Wharton is the one who "unlocks" the game for Palace. His through balls to Eddie Nketiah or Ismaila Sarr are the primary reason Chelsea’s high line should be terrified.
Chelsea fans are restless. They’ve seen debutants like Estêvão show flashes of brilliance, but they want results. Meanwhile, Selhurst Park will be a cauldron. Under the lights, with the Holmesdale End screaming, that 0-0 draw from August feels like a lifetime ago.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
People look at the "Head-to-Head" and see Chelsea winning 20 of the last 26 Premier League meetings. They think it’s a lock. It isn't.
Palace has become the "Draw Kings" of the mid-table, recently holding Villa and City to tough results. They don't mind suffering without the ball. In fact, they’re better when they don’t have it. If Rosenior tries to over-engineer the Chelsea attack, he might walk straight into Glasner’s trap. Palace will sit in that compact 5-4-1, wait for a stray pass from Caicedo, and let Eze or Brennan Johnson fly.
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Practical Insights for the Matchday
If you’re heading to Selhurst or watching from home, keep an eye on the first 15 minutes. Chelsea often tries to "suffocate" opponents early with corners—remember Marc Cucurella almost scoring in the 3rd minute of the reverse fixture? Palace needs to survive that initial burst.
For those looking at the numbers, Palace has conceded more goals after the 60th minute than almost anyone else in the bottom half. Depth is their enemy. Chelsea’s bench—usually featuring the likes of João Félix or Christopher Nkunku—is where the real danger lies.
To prepare for this fixture, watch the highlights of the August 0-0 draw to see how Glasner neutralized the wingers. Also, track the team sheets for any late January transfer moves; if Marc Guéhi sits this one out, the Palace defense loses its captain and its spine. Keep an eye on the official Premier League injury updates for Adam Wharton, as his availability completely changes the transition speed for the Eagles.