Premier League | Gameweek 18

Dec 26, 2024 at 3pm UK

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea vs Fulham

Match preview

After winning five Premier League games in a row, the longest run of any club in the division this season, Chelsea's run came to an abrupt halt on Sunday as they were held to a goalless draw by a resolute Everton.

It was the first time Enzo Maresca's men had failed to win since a 1-1 draw with Arsenal before the November international break, and the first time they had failed to score in a league game since the opening day of the season.

However, despite the setback, which has left them four points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, Chelsea are still unbeaten in 12 games and have a number of favourable fixtures ahead of them.

On paper, a run of five games against Fulham, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolves should give Chelsea the chance to go step for step with Liverpool in the New Year, but any slip-ups could prove costly.

While many have marvelled at Chelsea's recent form, their tally of 35 points is actually the lowest of any second-placed team at Christmas since 2010, showing just how close and competitive the Premier League has been so far.

The fact that Chelsea have lost two of their last three Boxing Day fixtures will not be a cause for concern, as their record against Fulham is remarkable: they are unbeaten in 19 meetings with the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge, a run that dates back to 1979.

It is a good omen that, although they have only won two of the last 11 games against the London clubs on Boxing Day, both of those victories came in title-winning seasons in 2005-06 and 2014-15.

Fulham could have gone into this game with their sights firmly set on the top four, but they were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom side Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Harry Wilson and Adama Traore were the closest Marco Silva's side came to scoring on a subdued afternoon, but draws with Arsenal and Liverpool before the stalemate left them just two points off the European places.

However, draws are becoming too common for Silva's men, who have now won just one of their last six games, and Chelsea are not the ideal opponents for them to try and improve on that record.

In 34 Premier League meetings, Fulham have won just twice, a win percentage of just 6%, which is the lowest of any team against any other opponent in Premier League history between those who have met at least 20 times.

Silva also has an underwhelming record against the Blues during his time at Fulham, as well as against Watford and Everton, having won just two of his last 10 meetings with them.

Recent Performance

Chelsea Premier League form:WWWWWD

Chelsea form (all competitions):WWWWWD

Fulham Premier League form:LDWDDD

Team News

After some defensive shuffling that saw Axel Disasi move to right-back and Malo Gusto to the left at Everton, Marc Cucurella is back from suspension and that should lead to a more orthodox back four for Chelsea.

Romeo Lavia could return after Maresca revealed that the Everton game would be too soon for the Belgian midfielder, but Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Benoit Badiashile is also out, but his deputy Tosin Adarabioyo has stepped up admirably and made a fine save to deny Everton's Iliman Ndiaye on Sunday.

Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe is a major doubt after missing the draw with Southampton with a leg injury, while Silva could also be without his first-choice midfielders with Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge both doubtful.

Andreas Pereira will at least be back from suspension and could come in for teenager Josh King, who made his full Premier League debut on Sunday.

Kenny Tete and Reiss Nelson both recently picked up injuries that will keep them out until at least February, while up front it will be a decision between Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz, who started against the Saints.

Possible starting lineup

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Pereira, Iwobi; Wilson, Jimenez, Adama