Chelsea – Crystal Palace: Derby Deadlock at Stamford Bridge (0-0)

In the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Chelsea and Crystal Palace supporters are among the most optimistic. With two teams in form, their even performances at Stamford Bridge resulted in a stalemate that was not an entertaining watch for the viewers. However, the 0-0 affair was a fair outcome for both managers.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

Chelsea and Crystal Palace share a few similarities in how their last few months have gone. Both teams have won two trophies over the past four months. They have won finals against opposition who were favourites. Although they qualified for two different tournaments, they both entered European competitions that have evaded them for some period – Palace more than Chelsea, of course. Lastly, their supporters have been optimistic heading into the 2025-26 season after picking up form at the tail end of the previous campaign.

With so much to look forward to, the London Derby was all set for an exciting match, with Enzo Maresca and Oliver Glasner naming their strongest available lineups. It is worth noting that there was one change each from their respective previous matches.

Compared to the eleven that faced AC Milan in the pre-season friendly, Maresca started Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong at center-back since Tosin Adarabioyo had picked up a late injury. Furthermore, with Levi Colwill sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Chelsea have lost some of the key members of the spine of the team.

Glasner similarly had to make an alteration to the side that

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