Chelsea will look to maintain their title charge as they host local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day – read our preview and prediction for the clash, as well as all the team news and confirmed lineups.
Chelsea vs Fulham Preview
The Blues are exceeding expectations this season under Enzo Maresca. Currently second in the Premier League table and just two points adrift of leaders Liverpool (who have a game in hand), Chelsea are enjoying a rich vein of form.
They come into this match on a five-game winning streak and are unbeaten in their last seven home league fixtures (four wins, three draws).
They are starting to be treated like serious contenders, having bounced back from an opening-day loss to Manchester City, losing just one other league game since.
Chelsea will be keen to extend their home dominance against their local rivals and keep the pressure on Liverpool.
Fulham, sitting in eighth place, have also had an impressive start to the season. Unbeaten in their last four matches, they’ve managed to frustrate top sides like Tottenham and Liverpool with consecutive away draws.
However, their away form overall has been less impressive, with only two victories—against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.
Marco Silva’s side will rely on their defensive discipline and ability to counterattack effectively to challenge their high-flying neighbours.
Chelsea vs Fulham Team News
For Chelsea, Reece James and Wesley Fofana are both sidelined until the new year, while Benoit Badiashile remains out with no confirmed return date.
Romeo Lavia could return from a hamstring injury, and Marc Cucurella is available again after serving a suspension, bolstering Maresca’s defensive options.
Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended following an adverse finding in a routine urine test, as confirmed by the club.
As for Fulham, they remain without Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, and Harrison Reed, all of whom are unavailable until 2025. However, they will be buoyed by the return of Andreas Pereira, who is back in contention after serving his suspension.
Chelsea vs Fulham Confirmed Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction
Chelsea’s home form and current momentum make them favourites, but Fulham’s ability to stifle top opposition could make this a closer contest than anticipated.
The Cottagers have already taken points off both Liverpool and Arsenal and will fancy themselves to cause problems for Maresca’s side.
Expect Chelsea to edge this London derby, but not without a fight from Fulham.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
