The 2024/25 Premier League season heats up as Chelsea welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge for an exciting Boxing Day clash. While Enzo Maresca maintains that his side is not in the title race, the Blues remain the closest challengers to league leaders Liverpool. A win against Fulham would keep Chelsea within striking distance.
Chelsea currently sit second in the table with 35 points from 17 matches, trailing Liverpool by four points, with the leaders having a game in hand. However, their five-match Premier League winning streak came to a frustrating end last weekend with a goalless draw against Everton, as a lack of clinical finishing in the final third cost them two crucial points.
Fulham, meanwhile, find themselves in ninth place with 25 points from 17 matches. Despite being unbeaten in their last five league games, four of those results were draws, including a stalemate against Southampton in their previous outing. The Cottagers face a tough challenge at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea’s form makes them heavy favorites.
Chelsea vs Fulham Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile for this fixture. However, Marc Cucurella is back in contention following his suspension. Although Romeo Lavia is nearing a return, this match comes too soon for him.
Maresca is expected to deploy his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robert Sanchez will start in goal, with Malo Gusto and Cucurella as the full-backs. Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill will form the central defensive pairing.
In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will aim to dominate the game’s tempo and shield the backline. Cole Palmer will continue his stellar form in the No. 10 role, flanked by Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke. Nicolas Jackson is set to lead the line for the Blues.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Fulham
Fulham manager Marco Silva faces his own injury concerns, with Sasa Lukic, Sander Berge, Kenny Tete, and Reiss Nelson unavailable. Emile Smith Rowe is also a doubt after missing the last match due to a leg injury.
On the positive side, Andreas Pereira returns from suspension and will slot straight into the starting XI. Silva will likely stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bernd Leno in goal. Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson will operate as full-backs, while Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey anchor the defense.
Pereira, Tom Cairney, and Alex Iwobi will form a midfield trio tasked with breaking Chelsea’s rhythm and denying Cole Palmer the space to dictate play. Adama Traore and Harry Wilson will provide width, while Raul Jimenez leads the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Pereira, Iwobi; Wilson, Jimenez, Traore
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won 52 of their 91 matches against Fulham across all competitions.
- The Blues are unbeaten in their last 19 home league games against the Cottagers.
- Fulham have managed just two wins in their last 34 Premier League matches against Chelsea.
- Chelsea have only won two of their last 11 London derbies on Boxing Day.
- Fulham have drawn four of their last five league games, struggling to convert chances into victories.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season. The 21-year-old has emerged as a game-changer, tallying 11 goals and six assists in 17 league appearances. With his ability to influence matches in the final third, Palmer is poised to make the difference once again as the Blues aim to secure three points against Fulham.
Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction
Chelsea 3-1 Fulham
Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
