Chelsea will aim to boost their UEFA Champions League qualification hopes when they face Fulham on Sunday. The two London rivals clash at Craven Cottage in a pivotal Premier League match that could shape the European qualification picture as the season nears its end.
Fulham
Fulham’s season has been marked by inconsistency. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, marking the fourth consecutive game in which they have conceded the opening goal. Fulham currently sits ninth in the league with 48 points, six points behind Chelsea and seven points adrift of a likely European qualification spot. To secure Europa or Conference League football, Fulham must tighten up their defense, having conceded eight goals in their last four games. Despite showing they can compete against top teams at Craven Cottage, their alternating wins and losses make them unpredictable.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s margin for error is shrinking. A frustrating 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, where they had to come back from two goals down, was followed by a 2-1 loss to Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Despite advancing to the semi-finals, the performance did little to satisfy disgruntled fans. Chelsea is sixth in the league, one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City, but has failed to win three of their last four league games. Goals have been scarce, with only three scored in that period. Chelsea’s away form is a major concern, as they have not won on the road since December 8.
Chelsea has won three of their last five matches against Fulham, but manager Maresca will remember their recent 2-1 defeat.
Team News & Tactics
Fulham
Marco Silva has a relatively healthy squad, with Harry Wilson and Reiss Nelson as the only confirmed absentees. Fulham will likely stick to their usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Bernd Leno will be in goal, with Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, and Antonee Robinson forming the backline. Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge will operate as the midfield pivot, with Andreas Pereira as the central attacking midfielder. Alex Iwobi will play on the right wing, and Ryan Sessegnon on the left. Raul Jimenez will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Pereira, Sessegnon; Jimenez.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s injury situation has improved, with only Wesley Fofana and Gabriel Slonina unavailable. Enzo Maresca is likely to field a strong lineup. Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to return to the starting eleven in front of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella will likely be the full-backs. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will form the midfield pivot. Cole Palmer will play as the central attacking midfielder, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line. Noni Madueke will likely start on the right wing, and Pedro Neto could feature on the left.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Key Stats
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Fulham are aiming for their first league double over Chelsea.
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Chelsea have won five of their last six Premier League away games against Fulham.
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Fulham have won two of their last five league games against Chelsea.
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This will be Fulham’s fourth league match played on Easter Sunday.
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Chelsea have lost both of their last two league matches played on Easter Sunday.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s most reliable creative force and will operate just behind striker Nicolas Jackson. Even when he’s not at his best, defenders cannot afford to ignore him, as one moment of brilliance can change the game.
Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea
This match will likely end in a draw due to Chelsea’s poor away form and Fulham’s inconsistency.
Chelsea vs Fulham Live Stream
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