Saturday lunchtime at Stamford Bridge is no ordinary London derby. Chelsea come in flying after smashing West Ham 5-1, while Fulham are scrapping to find rhythm after back-to-back 1-1 draws.
For Enzo Maresca’s men, this feels like another chance to prove their revival is real. Even without injured Cole Palmer, the Blues looked ruthless last week, with João Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah all on the scoresheet. Teenager Estevão Willian also made history with the youngest-ever PL assist for Chelsea.
Fulham arrive with pride and fight. They stood toe-to-toe with Manchester United in their last outing and then eased past Bristol City in the EFL Cup. Marco Silva’s side don’t fear the Bridge after their Boxing Day shock win here last season, but history says back-to-back wins away to Chelsea is rare.
Two neighbours, two different stories, and one early kickoff full of spice.
Chelsea vs Fulham: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Chelsea 23 wins, Fulham 3 wins, 12 draws
Chelsea are unbeaten in 11 straight PL home matches
Fulham have just 1 win in their last 6 PL games
Fulham have conceded in each of their last 11 away PL matches
What to Expect From Both Teams
Maresca’s side are confident and clinical. Even without Cole Palmer, their attack looks sharp with Joao Pedro, Neto, and Estevao buzzing around Liam Delap. Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo are controlling midfield well, while the defence has been stable despite injuries.
Fulham;
Marco Silva’s men carry belief after recent fightbacks but their defence leaks goals on the road. Rodrigo Muniz is set to lead the line again after scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge last season. New signing Emile Smith Rowe is already making an impact, while Alex Iwobi and Sander Berge bring energy in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)🔵: Sánchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto; Delap
Fulham (4-2-3-1)⚪: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Rodrigo Muniz vs Chelsea defence: The man who stunned the Bridge last year returns.
🔹 Enzo Fernández vs Sander Berge: Midfield brains that could decide the tempo.
🔹 Neto & João Pedro: Chelsea’s new forward line looks electric.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Fulham to win: 5.88
💵 Over 2.5 goals: 1.75
💵 Joao Pedro Anytime Goalscorer: 2.30
Chelsea look like a team on the rise, with goals and confidence flowing. Fulham bring fight, but their shaky defence away from home could be costly. One side wants to prove dominance in West London, the other wants to spoil the party. Pride, points, and bragging rights are all on the line.
