The West London derby is back as Chelsea vs Fulham takes center stage in Matchweek 3 of the Premier League 2025-26.

Chelsea head into the clash at Stamford Bridge on the back of a convincing 5-1 victory over West Ham, while Fulham arrive with confidence after progressing in the EFL Cup.

Yet the buildup to this derby is shaped heavily by injuries, suspensions, and tactical choices.

Predicted XI for Chelsea vs Fulham

Enzo Maresca is once again forced into reshuffling his side due to the growing list of absentees.

Cole Palmer, expected to be a central figure this season, remains sidelined with a groin injury sustained during the warm-up against West Ham.

Alongside him, Romeo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile are still recovering and will not feature until after the international break. Levi Colwill is also out long-term with an ACL injury.

Maresca is expected to stick with the shape that worked so effectively against West Ham, likely deploying a 4-1-4-1.

In goal, Robert Sanchez retains his spot, with a back four of Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella.

Moises Caicedo will anchor midfield, behind a creative line of Estevão, João Pedro, Enzo Fernández, and Pedro Neto.

Leading the attack, Liam Delap is favored to start again, offering intensity and pressing from the front.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo; Estevão, João Pedro, Fernández, Pedro Neto; Delap.

For Fulham, the lineup remains relatively stable.

Harry Wilson is doubtful with a minor foot issue, but Marco Silva is otherwise expected to name his strongest XI, with Rodrigo Muniz spearheading the attack.

Key absentees and available players

Chelsea vs Fulham will be influenced heavily by the availability of key men.

Chelsea’s injury list continues to pile up with Palmer, Lavia, Badiashile, and Colwill all unavailable, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended after his red card against West Ham.

On the other hand, Fulham have the luxury of stability, with only Wilson’s situation creating uncertainty.

This imbalance in squad depth could play a decisive role in how both sides approach the derby.

Chelsea may need to rely on youth and versatility, while Fulham can benefit from a more settled squad.

Tactical approach for Chelsea against Fulham

The tactical battle of Chelsea vs Fulham is expected to revolve around how Maresca compensates for missing creative players.

Without Palmer and Mudryk, Chelsea lose both flair and pace in the final third, placing more responsibility on Estevão and Neto to provide attacking spark.

João Pedro, who has been used both as a second striker and a playmaker, may be tasked with bridging the gap between midfield and attack.

Defensively, Maresca will demand composure from his makeshift backline, particularly against Fulham’s direct attacking transitions.

The double presence of Tosin and Chalobah in central defense offers stability, but Chelsea must be wary of leaving spaces behind full-backs James and Cucurella.

For Fulham, Silva’s strategy will likely focus on compactness and exploiting set pieces, areas where Chelsea have looked vulnerable in recent months.

The midfield battle between Lukic and Caicedo could dictate the rhythm of the game.