U18s preview: Palace v Chelsea

Academy

21 Nov 2025

Our under-18s will be aiming to return to winning ways as they host Chelsea in the final round of Group D fixtures in the Premier League Cup on Thursday (November 22nd, 11:00 GMT) at the Crystal Palace Academy - get the full lowdown below!

This game will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Saturday morning (11:00 BST) - click HERE to learn more about Palace TV+ and subscribe today!

Group Permutations

Only the group winner progresses to the quarter-finals, and Palace go into tomorrow’s clash with a vital advantage – four points and a superior goal difference (+2) over fellow table-toppers Manchester City (+1).

A win over Chelsea would almost certainly see the young Eagles top the group, though City could still overtake them if they win by a big enough margin. To be safe, Palace need to match or better City’s result, ensuring their goal difference remains superior, should both teams be victorious.

A draw keeps Palace ahead of Chelsea and Sheffield United (both on one point apiece) but leaves them vulnerable if City win. A defeat would require City to also lose, while Chelsea or Sheffield would need to avoid winning by enough to surpass Palace's, and City's for that matter, goal difference.

Essentially, tomorrow is a must-win for Palace to keep control of their fate and secure progression to the knockout stages.

Eagle-Eyed Review

As the November international break ends, Javier Alonso’s U18s return with momentum and purpose.

Palace sit top of both the U18 Premier League and Premier League Cup Group D – holding the advantage over Manchester City on goal difference – after a strong start under the Spaniard, who arrived from Atlético Madrid in August.

The Premier League Cup campaign opened with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Manchester City, a superb first half saw Palace race into a 3-0 lead, before City fought back after the break to share the points.

The young Eagles responded however, securing a comfortable 3-1 win away at Sheffield United in tough Storm Amy conditions. Makai Bernard-Ferguson, Chuks Okoli and Benji Casey – finishing from a Jasper Judd corner – ensured Palace took control of Group D.

Alonso’s first five matches in charge included two emphatic 8–0 victories (Birmingham, Ipswich), a statement win against Tottenham, a gritty draw with City and a narrow defeat to Chelsea – one the squad are eager to put right this weekend.

After a brief setback at Aston Villa, Palace regained rhythm with Premier League Cup victory over Sheffield United and a strong display against Fulham. A chaotic afternoon at Brighton brought four red cards, but the response was outstanding – a top-of-the-table win over Leicester opened a four-point lead at the summit.

A late 3-2 loss to West Ham before the international break stung, yet Palace’s numbers this season remain exceptional. Benji Casey leads the line with 11 goals and three assists – including two hat-tricks – while Palace’s 34 league goals are the highest in the division.

At home, the U18s have been flawless: maximum points, 20 goals scored and a fortress-like intensity that has defined their early campaign. Away form remains more mixed, but the overall trajectory is unmistakably upward.

Chelsea U18s

Chelsea enter the fixture in a contrasting Premier League Cup position – third in Group D with just a solitary point, level with Sheffield United and behind the leading pair of Palace and Manchester City.

Their opener, a 3-3 draw against Sheffield United, was rescued by Sol Gordon’s stoppage-time penalty completing his hat-trick. A lively second outing saw a first-half brace from Chizaram Ezenwata, but Manchester City overturned the lead to claim victory.

In the league, however, Chelsea remain unbeaten and sit fourth with 15 points, underpinned by a strong defensive record – just seven goals conceded. Their season has featured a mix of high-scoring wins and hard-earned draws, a 4-2 victory over Palace earlier in the campaign, a 6-1 win against Aston Villa, a resilient point at Arsenal and a commanding 4-0 success over Brighton. Performances from Ezenwata and the emergence of Jashayde Greenwood have kept their forward line dangerous.

Chelsea’s academy pedigree remains formidable. They are nine-time UEFA Youth Cup winners – including a treble between 2015–18 – and have lifted the U18 Premier League twice and the Premier League Cup as recently as 2021/22.

See Jashayde Greenwood score his first goal for the Blues U18s in the London derby against Spurs, below!

Likely line-up

Chelsea (4-3-3): Hudson Sands; Lewi Richards, Dante Waite ©, Calvin Diakite, Harry McGlinchey; Reggie Watson, Charlie Holland, Mathis Eboue; Ibrahim Rabbaj, Sol Gordon, Chris Atherton.

Team News

Chelsea newcomer Riley Ebho impressed off the bench against Norwich, adding pace and energy as the Blues pushed late for a winner. His performance, subsequently, could see him in contention to start proceedings.

Pre-match Analysis

Chelsea remain unbeaten in the U18 Premier League South and boast the division’s best defensive record. With 21 goals scored, they carry threat – but Palace’s attacking power and Cup-leading form set up a compelling contest.

Victory would strengthen Alonso’s position at the top of Group D and move the young Eagles a step closer to knockout qualification.

Key Player

Chizaram Ezenwata continues to be Chelsea’s standout attacking talent. Sharp, clinical and composed, he has carried his prolific form from last season – when he finished as their top scorer and debuted for the U21s – into the current campaign. With seven goals and an assist so far and regular involvement for England U18s, he remains Chelsea’s most immediate danger.

The Gaffer

Hassan Sulaiman, part of Chelsea’s academy setup since 2008, took charge of the U18s in March 2023 after progressing through several age-group coaching roles. Highly respected within the club, he has continued their tradition of technical, front-foot youth development.

Match Details

Crystal Palace U18s v Chelsea U18s

Saturday, 22nd November
11:00 GMT
U18 Premier League Cup
Crystal Palace Academy
Watch LIVE on Palace TV+

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