Player stats will appear once the competition begins.
Fulham- Joachim Andersen
Chelsea- Wesley Fofana
Previous lineup is not available.
Fulham vs Chelsea rounds off the opening weekend with a Monday-night west London derby at Craven Cottage, and the visitors start as favourites.
Chelsea have the stronger squad, but Fulham took the most recent meeting and are always awkward on their own patch. Andy Francis has the best bets, our score prediction and the head-to-head record below. The game kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday, August 24th.
Premium Tips
Andy favours the visitors in a tight London derby, with Chelsea’s depth and Cole Palmer the difference-makers.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea to win and Cole Palmer to score anytime | 12/5 | Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s talisman and the clearest source of goals in a young, talented squad still searching for consistency, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap offering further support around him. Fulham are always awkward at Craven Cottage and won the most recent meeting between these sides, but Chelsea’s overall depth and quality should tell over the course of ninety minutes even in a tricky away derby. Palmer has a habit of stepping up in the biggest games, and with Chelsea needing an early statement of intent this season, backing both the win and their star man to score looks the value play at 12/5. |
| Both teams to score and Moises Caicedo and Harrison Reed to be booked | 16/1 | Fulham have shown they can hurt Chelsea before, and with Rodrigo Muniz leading their line they carry enough of a threat to get on the scoresheet even against a talented Chelsea defence still finding its feet. Chelsea’s own attacking options give them every chance of scoring at the other end too. Moises Caicedo sits at the base of Chelsea’s midfield and regularly picks up bookings doing the side’s defensive work, while Harrison Reed anchors Fulham in a similar combative role and rarely shies away from a crunching tackle. Both teams finding the net plus two cautions makes this a well-stacked 16/1. |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Fulham go into the game
Fulham finished 11th last season on 52 points, a solid, well-organised side who are always difficult to beat at Craven Cottage. Home advantage in a derby is not to be underestimated.
Rodrigo Muniz leads the attacking options, with Fulham’s most recent 2-1 win over Chelsea proof they can trouble their neighbours. A strong home display could spring a surprise.
How Chelsea go into the game
Chelsea finished 10th last season on 52 points, a talented young squad that flattered to deceive at times but carries huge potential. Greater consistency is the priority this term.
Cole Palmer remains the key man, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap adding to a deep attacking pool. Chelsea have the quality to win this derby if they turn up.
Fulham vs Chelsea head-to-head
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01/26 | Fulham | 2-1 | Chelsea |
| 30/08/25 | Chelsea | 2-0 | Fulham |
| 20/04/25 | Fulham | 1-2 | Chelsea |
| 26/12/24 | Chelsea | 2-1 | Fulham |
| 13/01/24 | Chelsea | 1-0 | Fulham |
Chelsea have won three of the last five meetings, but Fulham took the most recent London derby 2-1 in January and will draw belief from that.
Fulham vs Chelsea predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea to win | 20/21 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Deeper, more talented squad in a tight derby. |
| Cole Palmer anytime scorer | 11/8 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Chelsea’s talisman and main goal threat. |
| Over 2.5 goals | 8/13 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Goals have featured in recent derbies. |
| Both teams to score | 8/15 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both sides carry a threat in a derby. |
| Fulham 1-3 Chelsea | 14/1 | ⭐⭐ | Our headline scoreline for an away win. |
Fulham vs Chelsea score prediction
Fulham are awkward at home and took the most recent meeting, so Chelsea will need to be at it. The visitors have the greater quality across the pitch, though, and we expect them to edge an entertaining London derby. Score prediction: Fulham 1-3 Chelsea.
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