Chelsea is going head to head with Fulham starting on 26 Dec 2024 at 15:00 UTC at Stamford Bridge stadium, London city, England.
Team status and form
Chelsea
Chelsea has been relatively stable in recent games, but there have been some ups and downs. Judging from recent game data, Chelsea’s offense and defense have shown certain strength, but they also need to be wary of opponents’ counterattacks and set-piece opportunities. Chelsea can often play a stronger fighting force when playing at home, and the support of fans and the atmosphere of the home court can often bring extra motivation to the team.
Fulham
Fulham’s performance in the Premier League is also worth paying attention to. They have shown certain offensive capabilities in recent games, but there are also certain loopholes on the defensive end. Fulham may face greater challenges when playing away, because away games often have a certain impact on the team’s morale and state.
Historical confrontation record
From the historical confrontation record of the two teams, Chelsea has a certain advantage in past games. They have won in many encounters, which has also added a certain confidence to Chelsea in this game. However, football games are often full of variables, and Fulham may also perform well in this game and cause trouble for Chelsea.
Team lineup and injuries
Chelsea
Chelsea’s lineup is relatively complete, but some players are unable to play due to injuries. The appearance of these injuries may have a certain impact on Chelsea’s lineup, but the overall strength of the team should not be underestimated.
Fulham
Fulham also faces some injury problems, which may have a certain impact on their game status. However, Fulham also has some strong players on the bench, who may perform well in the game and contribute to the team.
Team news
The Chelsea boss has a clean bill of health and he will hope to be able to choose from the full complement of his squad during this busy run of games. The Pensioners do have a well-assembled squad and they may just be able to navigate this key period with some good results in the bag.
Elsewhere, Sasa Lukic is Fulham’s only injury worry and they will hope to maintain a fully-fit and disciplined squad throughout the festive fixtures.
Line-ups
Maresca has alternated between two different teams for league and cup matches which will help him to keep some key players fresh despite midweek fixtures.
Therefore, all their top guns are likely to start this crucial derby match.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Silva has a team of trusted lieutenants that have been bolstered by the arrivals of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson, as well as Raul Jimenez’s return to goalscoring form this term.
This has made the Whites a lot more creative whilst retaining the solidity that has brought them success under the Portuguese manager.
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Pereira; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Match prediction
Taking all the above factors into consideration, I think Chelsea is more likely to win in this game. They are often able to play a stronger fighting force when playing at home, and from the historical record of confrontation, they also have a certain advantage. However, football games are often full of variables, and Fulham may also perform well in this game and cause trouble for Chelsea. Therefore, I predict that Chelsea will beat Fulham with a score of 1-0 or 2-0.