Preview: Chelsea – Fulham – prediction, team news, lineups

Chelsea – Fulham takes center stage in the Premier League 2025-26 as the West London derby unfolds at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kickoff.

The Blues arrive full of confidence after a 5-1 win over West Ham, while Fulham continue their unbeaten start following a spirited 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Both sides will be eager to assert dominance in this high-stakes clash, one filled with history, rivalry, and tactical intrigue.

Chelsea - Fulham
Chelsea – Fulham

Key facts before Chelsea – Fulham

Chelsea come into the match having secured 10 wins in their last 12 competitive games, a run that has lifted the optimism around Enzo Maresca’s project.

The emphatic performance against West Ham showcased the squad’s attacking depth, with goals from Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah.

Youngster Estevão Willian also made history as the youngest Chelsea player to provide a Premier League assist.

On the other side, Fulham are proving to be tough opponents early in the campaign.

They followed up a dramatic late equalizer against Brighton with another strong showing versus Manchester United, where Emile Smith Rowe struck to secure a draw.

Their recent 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Bristol City further underlined their resilience.

However, Marco Silva’s men have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine Premier League away matches — a statistic that Chelsea will look to exploit.

Historically, Chelsea have dominated this fixture, losing just 8.3% of their Premier League meetings with Fulham, the lowest percentage of defeats between two clubs with at least 20 encounters.

Still, Fulham stunned the Blues 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day last season, and they will take confidence from that rare triumph.

Predictions and tactical analysis for Chelsea – Fulham

Chelsea – Fulham is set to be a tactical battle between Enzo Maresca’s attacking dynamism and Marco Silva’s compact defensive shape.

Chelsea will rely heavily on Moises Caicedo’s control in midfield and the creativity of Fernandez and Estevão to unlock Fulham’s backline.

With Liam Delap expected to lead the attack, Maresca may once again deploy Joao Pedro in a deeper role to link play and stretch Fulham’s defensive lines.

For Fulham, Rodrigo Muniz should return as the main striker after his late winner at Stamford Bridge last season.

Supported by Iwobi and Smith Rowe, Silva’s side will look to exploit Chelsea’s defensive transitions, particularly with Reece James or Malo Gusto pushing forward.

Chelsea - Fulham
Chelsea – Fulham

Set pieces could also play a crucial role, an area Fulham nearly used to their advantage against United.

Our prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Fulham.

The Blues’ current momentum, coupled with Fulham’s inconsistent defensive record on the road, suggests that Maresca’s men will secure another professional victory.

Team news and probable lineups

Chelsea’s injury list remains a concern.

Cole Palmer is sidelined with a groin problem, joining long-term absentees Levi Colwill (ACL), Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, and Omari Kellyman.

Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to serve his suspension, ruling him out of the derby.

For Fulham, the outlook is brighter.

Harry Wilson is a minor doubt with a foot injury, but otherwise Marco Silva has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Raul Jimenez impressed in midweek but is expected to make way for Muniz, who offers more pace and energy up front.

Chelsea possible starting XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevão, Joao Pedro, Neto; Delap

Fulham possible starting XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz.

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