Verdict: Chelsea win

Finest Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

With west London bragging rights up for grabs on Boxing Day afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Beginning with the hosts, left dissatisfied final weekend as they finally needed to accept a 0-0 stalemate in opposition to Everton, Chelsea shall be in search of a right away response right here. However, though some might need been shocked over the summer time following Enzo Maresca’s arrival in west London, the Blues have loved a sensational rise. On the coronary heart of a shock Premier League title scrap, the previous Leicester boss has seen his squad achieve a string of plaudits from throughout the continent. Breezing their strategy to a Europa Convention League quarter-final ticket with a 100% document, Chelsea discover the temper of their camp at a red-hot excessive. Struggling only a single defeat from any of their 17 Premier League appearances to date this season, Thursday’s visitors shall be excited to make a return to residence soil right here. Successful every of their final three showdowns at Stamford Bridge by an combination rating of 10-2, Maresca’s aspect are additionally unbeaten in entrance of their very own supporters since a 2-0 loss in opposition to Manchester Metropolis the opening weekend.

Chelsea Crew Information

Returning a constructive drug take a look at final week and now on the coronary heart of a doping scandal, Mykhailo Mudryk is not going to characteristic on Thursday afternoon. Likewise, struggling one more harm setback final month, England worldwide Reece James stays on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, after serving a one-match suspension away at Everton final weekend, former Brighton defender Marc Cucurella will return right here. Having fun with what has been one other Premier League romp this season and already placing 11 top-flight objectives on the board, Cole Palmer will play a number one position at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham

As for the guests, lacking out on what was a golden alternative final weekend as they needed to accept a 0-0 draw at residence in opposition to Southampton, Fulham are in search of some much-needed stability. Whereas Marco Silva’s males might need continued to obtain a string of plaudits this season, the Cottagers have recorded only a single win from any of their six Premier League appearances since coming back from November’s worldwide break. Marking their return from the fortnight interval with a 4-1 drumming by the hands of Wolves, the previous Everton boss needs to be bracing himself for a stern examination right here. Hit with a 1-0 loss once they travelled throughout west London again in January, Fulham do maintain a worrying document in opposition to their native rivals. Dropping their final three conferences by an combination rating of 5-0, they’ve additionally did not register a single Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham Crew Information

As soon as once more lacking out in opposition to Southampton final weekend, Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson remains to be coping with a thigh harm. Likewise, not that includes since coming back from November’s worldwide break, former Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed stays on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, after serving a one-match suspension at Craven Cottage final week, ex-Manchester United star Andreas Pereira will return to Silva’s squad on Thursday afternoon. Notching 5 Premier League objectives to date this season, Raul Jimenez ought to exchange Rodrigo Muniz main the road.

Chelsea vs Fulham Key Components to Think about

• When Chelsea and Fulham final met again in January, the Blues collected a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have gained their final three conferences in opposition to the Cottagers by an combination rating of 5-0.
• Fulham have by no means recorded a Premier League victory at Stamford Bridge.
• The Cottagers have recorded only a single win from any of their six Premier League appearances.
• Nicolas Jackson has discovered the online in three of his earlier 4 Premier League matchups at Stamford Bridge.

Conclusion

Compelled to accept a single level away at Everton final weekend, Chelsea will definitely be excited to make a return to Stamford Bridge right here. On the coronary heart of a shock Premier League title chase and with the temper of their camp at a red-hot excessive, Thursday’s hosts shall be trying to declare west London bragging rights. Successful every of their final three Premier League conferences in opposition to Fulham by an combination rating of 5-0, the Cottagers have additionally did not register a single top-flight win at Stamford Bridge.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Finest Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster