Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
It’s another west London derby over in the English capital as Chelsea and Fulham square off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Both sides enter the clash in dire need of all three points. Chelsea, for one, must defend their slender lead in the top-four race in the Premier League, while Fulham’s survival hopes are fading fast.
Given the visitors’ struggles in the attack, along with a dreadful head-to-head record against Chelsea, a home victory is expected for Thomas Tuchel’s revitalized side in London.
Chelsea Form & Stats
A 1-1 first-leg draw at Real Madrid midweek has left Chelsea in a favorable position. Christian Pulisic’s strike in Spain has left them with a valuable away goal advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in the Champions League semi-finals.
But while the prospect of reaching the final is more alive than ever, Tuchel’s men can’t ease off in the Premier League. Only three points stand between them in fourth and fifth-placed West Ham after all. Victory over Fulham, therefore, is a must to maintain their top-four spot.
The Blues, however, have an excellent record in this fixture and have built a solid defensive foundation under Tuchel, having recorded clean sheets against heavyweights such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Atletico Madrid.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions (W15 D6).
- Unbeaten in their last 18 home games against Fulham in all competitions (W10 D8).
- Won 6 of their 8 London derbies this season (D1 L1).
- Ahead at half-time and full-time on 13 occasions in the Premier League this season.
- Only Leicester (10) have been won more penalties than Chelsea (9) in the Premier League.
- Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has kept 15 clean sheets in 27 Premier League appearances.
Fulham Form & Stats
Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time equalizer denied Fulham victory over Arsenal last time out. The Cottagers defended gallantly until the last minute at the Emirates, but again showed a lack of attacking threat. In fact, they mustered just three shots with Josh Maja’s penalty being their only effort on target.
Fulham, therefore, are the Premier League’s second-lowest scorers on 25 goals. They’ve also claimed just one point in their last five league games (D1 L4), and look destined for a return to the Championship.
Scott Parker’s men have, though, performed well against the big six away from home. They’ve held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw, beaten Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, and held Tottenham to a 1-1 draw this season.
Key Team Stats
- Lost 4 of their last 5 Premier League games (D1).
- Beaten Chelsea just once in their last 39 encounters through 1-0 win at Craven Cottage in March 2006 (D14 L24).
- Lost to nil in 4 of their last 6 Premier League games against Chelsea.
- Failed to score in 4 of their last 8 games in all competitions.
- Winless in their last 23 London derbies (D5 L18).
- Dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.
- 16 of their 25 Premier League goals have come away from home.
Team News
Chelsea
Out: Mateo Kovacic, Antonio Rudiger.
Doubts: N/A.
Fulham
Out: Tom Cairney, Terence Kongolo, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenny Tete.
Doubts: Marek Rodak.
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Scorers in Premier League
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Betting Tips
More Odds
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