Two cold 'frenemies' face off in an ultimate EPL clash

In a derby clash of the ongoing Premier League round, Chelsea and Aston Villa will meet at Stamford Bridge today (20.30), and the expectations are high, as they should be when the third and fourth EPL teams play each other.

However, it will, at the same time, be a duel of two friends - or "frenemies" today - who are very close off the pitch and even share the same goal celebration - Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

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Even though he trademarked the "Cold Palmer" nickname, the Chelsea forward had admitted he came up with the idea to celebrate his first goal with the Blues by mimicking the shivering after he saw Rogers do it at Middlesbrough days earlier.

"My boy Morgz (Rogers) did one for Middlesbrough, so I told him I'd do it," Palmer admitted back in December 2023, talking to TNT Sports.

On the other hand, after scoring in a 2-2 draw between the Villans and the Blues in April 2024, Rogers, as usual, celebrated his goal in a "cold" manner and confirmed Palmer's story following the match.

"He definitely copied me. It's my celebration. Check the timeline, I did it first," Aston Villa forward stated via Daily Mail.

Either way, this "celebration rivalry" didn't affect the two's friendship, as The Sun claims they often talk and text each other.

The duo first met at Manchester City's youth categories, where they really hit it off and became almost inseparable. Football paths led them in different directions, though they can take pride and be thrilled that they both succeeded and became renowned Premier League players and England internationals.

So, ahead of today's derby, only one question arises: Who'll get a chance to celebrate?

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 18

Friday

Manchester United - Newcastle 1-0 (1-0)

/Dorgu 24/

Saturday

15.30: (5.60) Nottingham Forest (3.90) Manchester City (1.62)

18.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Brighton (7.75)

18.00: (2.30) Brentford (3.45) Bournemouth (3.05)

18.00: (4.00) Burnley (3.35) Everton (2.00)

18.00: (1.23) Liverpool (6.50) Wolverhampton (12.0)

18.00: (2.70) West Ham (3.35) Fulham (2.65)

20.30: (1.90) Chelsea (3.50) Aston Villa (4.10)

Sunday

17.00: (2.60) Sunderland (3.15) Leeds (2.85)

19.30: (2.35) Crystal Palace (3.35) Tottenham (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***