Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
With west London bragging rights up for grabs on Boxing Day afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, left disappointed last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Everton, Chelsea will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, although some might have been shocked over the summer following Enzo Maresca’s arrival in west London, the Blues have enjoyed a sensational rise. At the heart of a shock Premier League title scrap, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Breezing their way to a Europa Conference League quarter-final ticket with a 100% record, Chelsea find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their 17 Premier League appearances so far this season, Thursday’s guests will be excited to make a return to home soil here. Winning each of their last three showdowns at Stamford Bridge by an aggregate score of 10-2, Maresca’s side are also unbeaten in front of their own supporters since a 2-0 loss against Manchester City the opening weekend.
Chelsea Team News
Returning a positive drug test last week and now at the heart of a doping scandal, Mykhailo Mudryk will not feature on Thursday afternoon. Likewise, suffering yet another injury setback last month, England international Reece James remains on the sidelines.
However, after serving a one-match suspension away at Everton last weekend, former Brighton defender Marc Cucurella will return here. Enjoying what has been another Premier League romp this season and already putting 11 top-flight goals on the board, Cole Palmer will play a leading role at Stamford Bridge.
Fulham
As for the visitors, missing out on what was a golden opportunity last weekend as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw at home against Southampton, Fulham are seeking some much-needed stability. While Marco Silva’s men might have continued to receive a string of plaudits this season, the Cottagers have recorded just a single win from any of their six Premier League appearances since returning from November’s international break. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a 4-1 drumming at the hands of Wolves, the former Everton boss should be bracing himself for a stern examination here. Hit with a 1-0 loss when they travelled across west London back in January, Fulham do hold a worrying record against their local rivals. Losing their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 5-0, they have also failed to register a single Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge.
Fulham Team News
Once again missing out against Southampton last weekend, Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson is still dealing with a thigh injury. Likewise, not featuring since returning from November’s international break, former Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed remains on the sidelines.
However, after serving a one-match suspension at Craven Cottage last week, ex-Manchester United star Andreas Pereira will return to Silva’s squad on Thursday afternoon. Notching five Premier League goals so far this season, Raul Jimenez should replace Rodrigo Muniz leading the line.
Chelsea vs Fulham Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Fulham last met back in January, the Blues collected a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea have won their last three meetings against the Cottagers by an aggregate score of 5-0.
- Fulham have never recorded a Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge.
- The Cottagers have recorded just a single win from any of their six Premier League appearances.
- Nicolas Jackson has found the net in three of his previous four Premier League matchups at Stamford Bridge.
Conclusion
Forced to settle for a single point away at Everton last weekend, Chelsea will certainly be excited to make a return to Stamford Bridge here. At the heart of a shock Premier League title chase and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, Thursday’s hosts will be looking to claim west London bragging rights. Winning each of their last three Premier League meetings against Fulham by an aggregate score of 5-0, the Cottagers have also failed to register a single top-flight win at Stamford Bridge.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster