Fulham v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Fulham face Chelsea The Cottagers have three points more than their West London rivals after six matches. The Blues have failed to score in three league matches and have just one win in 10 matches in this competition. Fulham won this fixture 2-1 last season.

Fulham Form

It’s been a mixed start for Marco Silva’s team with two wins, two draws, and two losses in six Premier League fixtures. They somewhat burgled a 1-0 win at Everton on the opening day before losing 3-0 at home to Brentford. A late set-piece goal rescued a fortunate point in a 2-2 draw at Arsenal after that. A 5-1 thrashing at Man City saw them allow just seven shots.

Since the transfer window closed, things have settled down a bit. They ground out a 1-0 home win over Luton and then a steady 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace. In midweek, Fulham rested a few players but beat Norwich 2-1 at home in the Carabao Cup. They put up 2.42 xG and 19 shots in a strong attacking display.

Fulham Team News

Kenny Tete is doubtful at right back for this one. Antonee Robinson could start at left-back with Timothy Castagne at right back once again. Andreas Pereira and Harrison Reed should return alongside Palhinha in the midfield three.

Tosin Adarabioyo is out injured in defence and Sasa Lukic is a doubt in midfield. In attack, Marco Silva must decide between Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson to play down the right. Adama Traore is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Fulham Motivation

The Cottagers will be very motivated for this derby. They will see a Chelsea side lacking confidence as being there for the taking.

Fulham will play to win this match though a third straight clean sheet and a point would be a good result in isolation.

Chelsea Form

The Blues have won one in 10 league matches going back to last season. That success was in round three of this season as they beat whipping boys, Luton 3-0 at home. After the early promise shown in their opening day 1-1 draw with Liverpool, they lost 3-1 at ten-man West Ham. After the subsequent Luton victory, they’re winless and goalless and three league matches.

A 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest saw several good chances missed. A timid 0-0 draw at Bournemouth followed as the Blues lacked aggression in attack. Last weekend, a second-half red card played a part in losing 1-0 at home to Aston Villa. Chelsea missed three ‘big chances’ in the defeat. In midweek, they beat Brighton 1-0 in the Carabao Cup to rebuild some confidence.

Chelsea Team News

Mauricio Pochettino has several injury absentees as usual. Added to those, Malo Gusto and Nicolas Jackson missed this match due to suspension. Raheem Sterling may play as the number nine with Armando Broja not yet fit enough to start. In defence, Thiago Silva should return but Ben Chilwell has injured his hamstring.

Benoit Badiashile is still ruled out and so is Trevoh Chalobah. Axel Disasi and Marc Cucurella could play as the fullbacks. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher will be recalled. Cole Palmer is set for a first league start for Chelsea.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues desperately need a win. A draw would be a poor result and basically the same as a defeat.

Pochettino’s side will try to attack and dominate but they lack reliable scorers for this match and may need to focus on a clean sheet and try to nick a goal from set pieces in the absence of a fully fit striker.

Key Stats

Fulham have kept 3 clean sheets in 6 Premier League matches

5 of Fulham’s last 6 home matches have seen Over 2.5 goals

Chelsea have failed to score in 3 league matches

Chelsea have won 1 of their last 10 Premier League matches

Chelsea have lost 5 of their last 7 away EPL matches

Verdict

The Blues are in dire form and Fulham seems to be improving gradually. It’s hard to see many goals in this match considering the sides both lack a reliable striker. I’m backing Fulham to avoid defeat in this one as my best bet.