The start of the year brings expectations of a change in fortune, and that's exactly what both Chelsea and Crystal Palace need as they face off on Matchday 20 of the Premier League.
Although their objectives for the season differ, both London teams share a pressing need to secure their first win of 2025 in this match at Selhurst Park on Saturday, January 4, at 10 a.m. ET.
Here is my Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace prediction and the Premier League odds for this Saturday's match.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace Prediction, Pick, EPL Odds
| Chelsea Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -106 | 2.5 -175o / 137u | -111 |
| Crystal Palace Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -106 | 2.5 -175o / 137u | +280 |
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace moneyline odds: Chelsea -111, Draw +275, Crystal Palace +280
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace over/under: 2.5 Goals (Over -175, Under 137)
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace pick: Chelsea to Win and Over 2.5 goals
I am backing Chelsea to Win and the Over in the Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea match.
Chelsea Prediction
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea has been expected to be Liverpool’s main challenger in the title race following a strong first half of the season. But the festive period offered little to celebrate, with two consecutive losses in the final week of 2024.
Defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town dropped the Blues to fourth place, forcing the team to consider changes across the board. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez will likely return to the starting lineup, along with Malo Gusto in defense, Pedro Neto in midfield and Jadon Sancho on the wing.
Cole Palmer remains untouchable, having started every league match this season, and will aim to score again to close the gap on Mohamed Salah at the top of the goalscorer standings. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo should anchor the central midfield again, although Romeo Lavia could return after missing the last four matches due to injury.
Crystal Palace Prediction
Last week’s 2-1 victory over Southampton propelled Crystal Palace to 15th place, moving them further away from the relegation zone. But with only a five-point cushion, the danger of falling back remains.
The return of captain Marc Guéhi after serving his suspension is a major boost. The defender is expected to replace Trevoh Chalobah, who is ineligible to face his parent club on Saturday.
Offensively, the trio of Eberechi Eze, Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta has brought a mix of skill, strength and height. However, they’ve struggled with finishing so far, leaving the Eagles as the fourth-lowest-scoring team this season.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace Prediction
Recent history strongly favors Chelsea, unbeaten in the last 15 games between the two sides, while Palace haven’t kept a clean sheet in the last 20 meetings.
The Eagles struggled to take off earlier in the season but are now soaring higher. Since October 22, they’ve earned 17 points in 11 matches. Meanwhile, the Blues have earned only one point in their last three games after winning five in a row.
This is reflected in the betting lines, making Chelsea a tempting, high-value pick. Their urgency to stay in the title race and break their two-game goalless streak suggests they’ll attack from kick-off.
Although Crystal Palace lacks firepower upfront, they could exploit the defensive flaws Chelsea have displayed in their last two defeats. As a result, betting on a high-scoring match is also a solid option.
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace Pick: Chelsea to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
