Chelsea take on Fulham as part of the Boxing Day fixture list. Who will prevail in the West London derby?
Chelsea vs Fulham – Team News
Chelsea are gunning for glory in three competitions, with the Premier League, UEFA Conference League and FA Cup in their sights, and the Blues will fancy their chances of claiming three points against Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day in the English top flight.
The Blues have settled under their new manager Enzo Maresca much quicker than was expected, propelling themselves into the title race, and Cole Palmer is regarded by many observers as the league’s best player.
Chelsea’s London rivals Fulham are putting together an impressive campaign as well. Since losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season, the Cottagers have scored in every away game they have played and they bagged twice in a 2-2 draw at Liverpool in their last road trip.
Chelsea vs Fulham Predicted XIs
Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are set to miss out for Chelsea due to injury.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioya, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Felix; Nkunku.
Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed are missing for Fulham, but Joachim Andersen is back to full fitness.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Pereira, Wilson; Jimenez.
Kenny Tete is set to be out for Fulham for up to three months, having got injured in the Cottagers’ 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield the week before last.
Timothy Castagne, who replaced Tete at Anfield, should be set for a prolonged spell in the side. The Belgian was a solid option at right-back last term, so he will almost certainly line up in that position at the Bridge on Boxing Day.
Chelsea have got a few defenders on the sidelines, but their vast squad is able to comfortably deal with any absences.
Marc Cucurella, who was suspended for the trip to Everton on Sunday after his red card against Brentford, should return to the left-back position.
Cucurella’s return means Malo Gusto can slot into his preferred position at right-back, with Axel Disasi dropping to the bench. Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill should continue as the centre-back partnership.
Palmer leading the way for Chelsea
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions and Blues fans are in high spirits going into Christmas.
England international Cole Palmer has been reluctant to include his side in title-race talk, but he and his colleagues seem the most likely side to stop Liverpool.
A 6-3 success at Tottenham on Sunday has put Liverpool back in command of the Premier League, but Chelsea are close enough to catch the Reds.
Home wins against mid-table teams like Fulham will be essential if Maresca’s men are to sustain their title tilt.
Palmer and Mohamed Salah have been the two outstanding performers of the Premier League season so far – and the form of both in the months to come will have a huge bearing on the division.
Given Fulham have scored in their last nine away games, a high-scoring home win may be on the cards for Chelsea.