Crystal Palace host Chelsea on Sunday, 25 October 2026, in a Women’s Super League London derby that brings together two teams experiencing contrasting starts to the season.
Our Crystal Palace vs Chelsea preview covers recent form, team news, predicted line-ups and where to watch the match, with Sonia Bompastor’s unbeaten side looking to maintain their pursuit of league leaders Manchester City.
Chelsea sit second with 16 points from six matches, while Crystal Palace occupy 11th place with six points. Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT at the 360 Engage Stadium in Sutton.
Where to Watch Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
The match kicks off at 12:00 GMT on Sunday, 25 October, and will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Mix.
In the United States, coverage is available through Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo. Chelsea’s official website and app will also provide match updates.
For other countries the game could be available on the Barclays WSL Youtube.
Crystal Palace Looking for a Response
Crystal Palace enter Sunday’s encounter following consecutive defeats against West Ham United and Southampton. Jo Potter’s side lost 1-0 to West Ham in the WSL before suffering a 3-2 defeat against Southampton in Wednesday’s Subway Players Cup fixture.
However, Potter believes there were improvements in Palace’s build-up play and creativity during the midweek performance. The Palace manager recognises that converting opportunities will be especially important against Chelsea, whose attacking quality leaves opponents little margin for error.
Palace have scored five goals in six league matches while conceding 12. Their only WSL victory came earlier in the campaign, although three draws have helped them collect six points.
Potter also emphasised the importance of adapting throughout the season rather than allowing opponents to become familiar with Palace’s approach.
Chelsea Carrying Strong Attacking Form
Chelsea arrive in south London after five consecutive WSL victories, most recently defeating Tottenham Hotspur 6-2 at Stamford Bridge. Bompastor’s team have scored 18 goals in six matches, averaging three per game, while conceding just three.
Their defensive record includes four clean sheets, and their 62.8% average possession highlights their ability to control matches. Bompastor was particularly pleased with Chelsea’s attacking efficiency against Tottenham, although she acknowledged that some defensive aspects required attention.
The Blues have another demanding week ahead, with Roma visiting in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s immediate priority is maintaining their unbeaten league record and keeping pressure on Manchester City.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Team News
Chelsea will be without Naomi Girma, who is recovering from a calf injury. Bompastor expects the defender to remain sidelined for several weeks. Summer signing Manaka Matsukubo could make her Chelsea debut after returning to contention.
Captain Erin Cuthbert is also available following her substitute appearance against Tottenham, although Chelsea are carefully managing her minutes as she builds towards starting matches.
Lauren James remains an important attacking option, with Bompastor continuing to monitor her workload.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have not confirmed specific new injury absences.
One notable storyline involves Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who returns to face the club where she spent two seasons on loan. Jo Potter praised the midfielder’s development and the connection she established with Palace supporters.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Predicted Line-ups
These are provisional predictions based on recent selections and available team news, not confirmed starting teams.
Crystal Palace predicted XI (4-4-2): Peyraud-Magnin; Napier, Bartrip, Everett, Goldie; O’Brien, Enge, Tsunoda, Lloyd-Smith; Larkin, England.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-3-3): Hampton; Carpenter, Bronze, Buurman, McCabe; Walsh, Potter, Kaptein; James, Thompson, Malard.
Chelsea have several midfield and attacking options, with Cuthbert, Matsukubo and Sjoeke Nüsken potentially influencing Bompastor’s selections.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Analysis
Chelsea have dominated recent meetings between these London rivals. The Blues won 4-0 in their April 2025 WSL encounter and followed that with a 5-0 Women’s FA Cup victory in January 2026.
Palace’s average possession of 37% suggests they could spend considerable periods defending against a Chelsea side accustomed to controlling the ball.
Potter has highlighted Chelsea’s ability to threaten from distance, particularly through Keira Walsh, Erin Cuthbert and Lauren James. Ellie Carpenter’s attacking contributions from full-back provide another challenge, while Palace will need to make their limited opportunities count.
Chelsea must also remain alert to Beth England’s movement and Palace’s attempts to exploit space when possession changes.
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea’s attacking depth, strong defensive record and recent results make them clear favourites.
Palace will need an organised performance and considerably greater efficiency in front of goal to threaten an upset.
Chelsea’s ability to create chances through several different players should ultimately prove decisive.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-3 Chelsea.
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