Chelsea are gearing up for their third straight all-London clash as they welcome neighbors Fulham to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff. Enzo Maresca’s side head into the derby full of confidence after dismantling West Ham United 5-1 last weekend, while Fulham arrive on the back of consecutive 1-1 draws, the latest against Manchester United.
For Chelsea, the trip to West Ham started in worrying fashion. Cole Palmer was ruled out with an injury in the warm-up, and moments later Lucas Paquetá fired the hosts ahead. But instead of folding, the Blues roared back in devastating fashion. Joao Pedro’s first Premier League goal lit the spark before Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah all found the net in a stunning turnaround.
It was also a night to remember for 18-year-old winger Estevão Willian, who became the youngest Chelsea player to register a Premier League assist, setting up Fernández’s tap-in. By full-time, the Chelsea fans had gone from silence to celebration, watching their side secure a 10th win in their last 12 games across all competitions.
Maresca’s men have made Stamford Bridge a fortress again. Not since 2002-03 have Chelsea failed to win their opening two home league matches, and in the Premier League era, they’ve always managed to find the net at the Bridge early in the season. With the goals now flowing, memories of their frustrating stalemate with Crystal Palace have already faded.
Marco Silva’s Fulham, meanwhile, continue to show fighting spirit. Against Manchester United, they were left furious when Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal was allowed to stand despite what looked like a clear push in the buildup. They had already been on the wrong end of a controversial penalty call, only for Bruno Fernandes to waste the chance from the spot.
Fulham’s frustration turned to relief when Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench and equalized with his very first touch, ensuring the Cottagers claimed another valuable point. That followed their late drama against Brighton, and once again they proved a handful for a top side, especially from set pieces.
The momentum carried into midweek as Fulham saw off Bristol City 2-0 in the EFL Cup, setting up a third-round tie with Cambridge United. Yet, there is still a lingering concern for Silva: his team’s away record. Fulham have now gone nine league matches on the road without a clean sheet, a streak that makes trips to places like Stamford Bridge especially daunting.
Fulham did shock Chelsea 2-1 at the Bridge on Boxing Day last season, but history is against them repeating that feat. They have never managed back-to-back league wins away to Chelsea, and with Maresca’s men looking sharper and more ruthless by the week, the challenge looks steep.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shed light on Cole Palmer’s absence last Friday, revealing that the England international had been managing a groin issue for several days. The problem worsened during the warm-up at the London Stadium, forcing him out of the game. While supporters are still awaiting an official update, it seems unlikely Palmer will recover in time for Saturday’s derby, meaning Pedro is expected to continue leading the line alongside Liam Delap.
The Blues are also dealing with several other setbacks. Levi Colwill remains sidelined with an ACL injury, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are unavailable with undisclosed problems, and Omari Kellyman is nursing a thigh issue. On top of that, Mykhaylo Mudryk is still serving his suspension for alleged anti-doping offences, leaving Maresca with limited options.
Fulham, on the other hand, arrive at Stamford Bridge in much better shape. Marco Silva’s men could field a fully fit squad, with Harry Wilson the only slight concern after he was forced off during the midweek victory over Bristol City.
That EFL Cup clash saw veteran forward Raul Jimenez roll back the years, first forcing an own goal from George Tanner before scoring himself with a sharp low strike from a Harrison Reed corner. However, despite his efforts, the Mexican is expected to make way for Rodrigo Muniz, who has fond memories of this fixture after netting the late winner at Stamford Bridge last December.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernández scored, but the match had its share of VAR drama — Fulham felt hard done by some decisions. Chelsea moves to the top of the Premier League for now!
