The Premier League never disappoints with exciting fixtures, and the upcoming London derby between Chelsea and Fulham on December 26th is no exception. Stamford Bridge will be the stage for this clash between the 6th-place Blues and the surprising 9th-place Fulham, with both teams fighting to solidify their top-half positions.
A Look Back: Last Meeting
The most recent encounter between these two London rivals was a close one. Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge back on January 13th, 2024, thanks to a late first-half penalty from Cole Palmer. Despite dominating possession and shots, the Blues were forced to work hard for all three points against a determined Fulham defense.
Current Form and Team News
Chelsea:
The Blues are in a transitional phase under their new manager, with their results so far this season reflecting that. After a strong start, they’ve dipped slightly, winning only two of their last five games. Key players like Jorginho and Kai Havertz haven’t been at their best, but youngsters like Cole Palmer and Carney Chukwuemeka have shown promise. Injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell have also hampered their efforts.
Fulham:
The Cottagers, on the other hand, have been the surprise package of the season. Under manager Mauricio Pochettino, they’ve developed a well-organized and attacking style of play. Star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic continues to be a nightmare for defenders, while Joao Palhinha has been a rock in midfield. Fulham will be confident of causing an upset at Stamford Bridge, especially considering Chelsea’s recent inconsistencies.
Head-to-Head: Who Has the Upper Hand?
Historically, Chelsea holds the upper hand against Fulham. In their last 20 meetings, the Blues have won 12, Fulham has won 3, and there have been 5 draws. However, Fulham won their last away game at Stamford Bridge back in 2021, so they’ll be aiming to repeat that feat on Boxing Day.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea:
Mason Mount: The creative hub of Chelsea’s attack. His playmaking and goalscoring will be crucial in breaking down Fulham’s defense.
Raheem Sterling: The experienced winger has been a bright spot for Chelsea this season. His pace and directness will be a constant threat to the Fulham backline.
Thiago Silva: The veteran defender remains a rock at the back for Chelsea. His leadership and experience will be vital in containing Mitrovic.
Fulham:
Aleksandar Mitrovic: Fulham’s talismanic striker. His physical presence and aerial ability will be a serious threat to the Chelsea defense.
Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese midfielder has been a key addition to Fulham’s midfield. His ability to control the tempo and win tackles will be important against Chelsea’s creative midfield.
Andreas Pereira: The Brazilian midfielder has been a source of creativity for Fulham this season. His passing range and set-piece delivery could be a difference-maker.
Possible Tactics and Formations
Chelsea:
Chelsea is likely to stick with their preferred 4-3-3 formation. They will aim to dominate possession and create chances through the flanks with Mount and Sterling. Thiago Silva and his partner will have their work cut out for them against Mitrovic.
Fulham:
Fulham could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Mitrovic leading the line and Pereira, Palhinha, and another creative midfielder playing behind him. They will look to hit Chelsea on the counter-attack and exploit any weaknesses in the Blues’ defense.
Where to Watch the Match
The match between Chelsea and Fulham will be televised live on various channels depending on your location. Live streams and highlights will also be available online through official Premier League broadcasters and websites.
Beyond the Final Whistle
The Boxing Day clash between Chelsea and Fulham promises to be a captivating encounter. Both teams come into the match with something to prove, and the outcome could have a significant impact on their top-half aspirations.
FAQs:-
The Clash of the Blues: When and Where?
Chelsea and Fulham are set to lock horns on Sunday, July 30th, 2023. The match will be played at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home ground. Kick-off is at 7:45 PM BST (British Summer Time), which is 2:45 PM ET (Eastern Time) for those in the US.
Team News and Injuries
Chelsea will be without key defenders Ben Chilwell, Reece James, and Malo Gusto. Gusto is serving a suspension, while Chilwell and James are recovering from injuries. Nicolas Jackson is also out due to a yellow card suspension.
Fulham will miss defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Adama Traore. Kenny Tete is a doubt with a potential injury. However, Sasa Lukic is set to return to the squad after a long absence.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Cities (Well, Boroughs!)
Historically, Chelsea holds the upper hand in this London derby. They’ve won 50 out of the 89 meetings between the two teams, with Fulham only managing 12 victories. The rest have been drawn.
However, Fulham did manage to surprise everyone last season, winning both their home fixtures against Chelsea, including a 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage in the corresponding fixture.
Can Fulham pull off another upset, or will Chelsea reclaim dominance?
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea: Look for Kai Havertz and Mason Mount to lead the attack for the Blues. With key defenders out, Chelsea will also rely heavily on the experience of Thiago Silva in the back.
Fulham: Keep an eye on Aleksandar Mitrović, Fulham’s prolific striker, to cause trouble for the Chelsea defense. Winger Willian will also be looking to prove a point against his former club.
West London Derby: More Than Just Three Points
This clash is more than just a Premier League match; it’s a battle for bragging rights in West London. Both teams will be eager to establish themselves as the top dog in the area.
Prediction Time!
This is a tough one to call. Chelsea will be looking to bounce back after a shaky start to the season, while Fulham will be full of confidence after their recent win against Brentford. It could be a close encounter, but with home advantage, Chelsea might just edge it out.
Where Can I Watch the Match?
Broadcast rights for Premier League matches vary depending on your location. Check with your local cable or satellite provider or streaming services to see if they are showing the game.
Stay Up-to-Date!
For the latest team news, injury updates, and live scores, be sure to follow the official websites and social media channels of both Chelsea FC and Fulham FC.
To read more, Click Here
