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The Blues have a strong track record in this fixture, going unbeaten in their last 15 league meetings with the Eagles—13 wins and 2 draws. However, last season under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea were held to back-to-back draws by Palace, ending a previous 13-game winning streak in the league.

Chelsea’s last Premier League loss to Crystal Palace came back in the 2017–18 season—a 2-1 defeat at Selhurst Park. Despite a goal from Bakayoko assisted by Fàbregas, an Azpilicueta own goal and a strike from Zaha gave Palace the edge.

Can Chelsea reassert their dominance in this London clash to start the new season strong? We’ll soon find out.

Ahead of the inaugural Club World Cup match, Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, defended the platform’s investment in what he described as a "spectacular event" during a BBC Sports interview in Miami. He insisted it makes strong commercial sense.

“We’ve been looking for a major platform to elevate DAZN,” he explained. “This is our opportunity to become the global football platform.”

Oliver called the deal "very logical" and expressed confidence that the tournament would "take off," attracting huge interest in regions like South America.

“We believe this will be the most‑streamed sporting event ever. It will help us build a massive customer base.” He added that DAZN has already recouped some expenses via regional broadcast rights.

Addressing speculation about PIF’s investment, Oliver said: “People always make guesses, but I can tell you we’ve not been used as pawns or anything like that… These things aren’t necessarily linked. Our funding from PIF is general, aimed at partnerships in MENA.”

“We are independent… we make our own decisions.”

Though PIF declined to comment, sports business expert Callum McCarthy noted the move is expected to spawn a Saudi-headquartered sports broadcaster to compete with Qatar’s beIN Sports. Saudi Arabia has long aspired to own a sports network but lacked the means—now DAZN has built a direct FIFA partnership, satisfying all parties.

“A marriage of convenience”

An FA insider said Saudi support for the Club World Cup is a “marriage of convenience.” Though supporting the tournament, the country remains a strong candidate for hosting the 2034 World Cup—thanks to massive investment in sport and FIFA’s desire for a post‑Qatar Middle Eastern return. Saudi funding, the source suggests, should be seen as an IF emergency bailout, not a predetermined plan. Initially, FIFA sought more broadcasters and sponsors but ultimately turned to Saudi help.

The insider noted Saudi sport is still known for boxing and horse racing.

Including Al Hilal in the Club World Cup helps Saudi football gain credibility ahead of 2034; the country hopes tournament participation could draw players to its leagues, boost attendance, and broaden domestic football appeal.

Saudi club Al Ahli has already secured a spot in the 2029 Club World Cup.

“Growth opportunity”

A UAE‑based source close to the Saudi government describes the investment as purely opportunistic—Saudi Arabia sees a chance to boost its economy, tourism, and modernization via football, building on FIFA chief Infantino’s suggestion that if the US and Saudi build their football sectors, annual football GDP could double, exceeding $500 billion.

FIFA is reportedly considering a 2029 Club World Cup featuring 48 teams—matching planned expansions for the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Oliver commented: “If the quality of the teams is high, the concept works. It could be hugely exciting.”

But players’ unions fear the packed schedule is pushing their members “to the brink,” and environmentalists oppose expanding from seven matches in one city to 63 matches across 11 cities.