It’s Boxing Day, and in the Premier League will have a lot of action. Chelsea will be locking horns against Fulham (CFC vs FUL) at Stamford Bridge on 26th December at 08:30 PM IST. Chelsea are currently at the 2nd number in the Premier League standings with 35 points, taking on 9th-placed Fulham, who have 25 points. Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca, will look to capitalise on their home advantage and regain momentum after a recent 0-0 draw with Everton halted their impressive winning streak. Whereas, Marco Silva’s Fulham, has also been decent, with a run of draws against top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal.
Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction & Betting Tip
Given Chelsea’s status as bookmaker favorites combined with their recent tough game against Everton, our recommended betting tip is: Fulham to win Draw No Bet at odds of 5.2. This reflects their solid away performance and recent draws against top-tier teams.
| Chelsea vs. Fulham Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Fulham to win Draw No Bet | 5.2 |
- Chelsea have struggled to secure convincing wins recently.
- Fulham have not lost in their last four away matches, showing resilience.
- Fulham’s ability to adapt against ber teams makes them a formidable opponent.
These factors collectively make this a promising and value-driven bet for the match.
Chelsea vs Fulham Odds
The match between Chelsea and Fulham is set to be an intriguing Premier League encounter, with Chelsea being the bookmakers’ favorite. However, Fulham’s recent form suggests that they might spring a surprise.
| Chelsea vs. Fulham Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Chelsea | 1.47 |
| Draw | 4.77 |
| Fulham | 6.21 |
- Chelsea’s winning streak was broken with a draw against Everton, which highlights some vulnerability.
- Fulham, unbeaten in their last five games, could provide a stiff challenge to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
- The odds reflect Chelsea’s b standing in the league, but Fulham’s resilience makes them a valuable underdog.
Chelsea Team Analysis
Chelsea Recent Performance DWWWW
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | Chelsea | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Chelsea | Shamrock Rovers | 5-1 (Win) |
| Chelsea | Brentford | 2-1 (Win) |
| FC Astana | Chelsea | 1-3 (Win) |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Chelsea | 3-4 (Win) |
| Recent Form: DWWWW |
Chelsea Key Players
Chelsea’s standout performer this season has been their top scorer, Cole Palmer, with 11 goals. His ability to find the back of the net consistently will be crucial against Fulham. Another key player is the dynamic midfielder Enzo Fernández, who provides stability and creativity in the midfield. In defence, Levi Colwill has been reliable, partnering well with Tosin Adarabioyo. The return of Marc Cucurella from suspension will bolster Chelsea’s defensive solidity. Christopher Nkunku’s attacking prowess is another major asset for the Blues. Expected lineup for Chelsea:
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
- Defenders: Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella
- Midfielders: Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer
- Attackers: Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, Christopher Nkunku Key individual battles to watch include Cole Palmer vs. Calvin Bassey and Christopher Nkunku vs. Bernd Leno. These matchups could significantly influence the game’s outcome.
Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries
Chelsea heads into this Boxing Day clash with significant injury concerns, which could impact their performance against Fulham. The team has no current suspensions. Notable injuries in the squad involve several key players, including star right-back Reece James and central defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile.
Here is a summary of Chelsea’s injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Reece James | Hamstring | Back in training |
| Wesley Fofana | Hamstring | Mid-January 2025 |
| Benoît Badiashile | Muscle injury | Early January 2025 |
| Roméo Lavia | Hamstring | Early January 2025 |
| João Félix | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Mykhaylo Mudryk | Illness | Doubtful |
| Carney Chukwuemeka | Virus | Doubtful |
| Ben Chilwell | Virus | Doubtful |
The absence of these players, particularly in defence, might challenge Chelsea’s depth and resilience, though they have managed to maintain form with tactical adjustments.
Chelsea Tactics and Formation
Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Christopher Nkunku
- Midfield Duo: Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo
- Defensive Line: Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea has been implementing a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation under Enzo Maresca, emphasizing fluid transitions from defense to attack. Christopher Nkunku will lead the forward line, aiming to capitalize on Cole Palmer’s creative playmaking from the attacking midfield position. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo provide a robust defensive midfield pairing, shielding a defense bolstered by Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Marc Cucurella returns to strengthen the left-back position. Despite injury concerns, Chelsea’s disciplined structure remains a formidable challenge for opponents, especially with their high pressing and quick counter-attacks.
Fulham Team Analysis
Fulham Recent Performance DDDWD
Fulham has been on a solid run, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. Their recent form reads DDDWD, showcasing b resilience, especially against top-tier teams. Fulham managed a pivotal 2-2 draw against Liverpool and another impressive 1-1 stalemate with Arsenal. Despite only scoring an average of 1.4 goals in their last five games, Fulham’s defense has remained stalwart with one clean sheet to their name.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Fulham | Southampton | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Liverpool | Fulham | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Fulham | Arsenal | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Fulham | Brighton & Hove Albion | 3-1 (Win) |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Fulham | 1-1 (Draw) |
Fulham Key Players
Fulham’s key players for the upcoming match against Chelsea can make a significant impact on the game. The expected lineup for Fulham includes:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Issa Diop, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
- Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Tom Cairney, Harry Wilson, Josh King, Alex Iwobi
- Forwards: Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez, Fulham’s top scorer with 5 goals, will be crucial in breaking down Chelsea’s defense. Andreas Pereira and Tom Cairney’s presence in midfield could dictate the game’s tempo, while Bernd Leno’s performance between the posts will be vital in keeping Chelsea’s potent attack at bay.
Fulham Suspensions & Injuries
Suspensions:
Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Harrison Reed | Knee injury | About a week |
| Reiss Nelson | Hamstring injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Kenny Tete | Knee injury | Late February 2025 |
| Emile Smith Rowe | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Sasa Lukic | Shoulder injury | Mid January 2025 |
| Sander Berge | Ankle injury | Mid January 2025 |
| Joachim Andersen | Calf injury | Doubtful |
Fulham has several key players sidelined due to injuries, which may significantly affect their performance against Chelsea. With Harrison Reed, Sander Berge, and Sasa Lukic out, the midfield lacks depth. The absence of Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete, along with the doubtful availability of Emile Smith Rowe and Joachim Andersen, further exacerbates the situation. This could impact Fulham’s ability to maintain a cohesive defensive structure and effectively challenge Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
Fulham Tactics and Formation
Fulham’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Raul Jimenez
- Midfield Trio: Andreas Pereira, Tom Cairney, Emile Smith Rowe (if fit)
- Defensive Strength: Averaged 3 clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Adaptable play style against ber teams, utilizing quick counter-attacks.
Fulham’s 4-2-3-1 formation focuses on a solid defensive base with two holding midfielders, Cairney and Pereira. This allows them to shield the defense and facilitate transitions. Jimenez will be the primary threat up front, leveraging his physicality and aerial prowess. The wings, manned by Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, provide speed and width, crucial for quick breaks. Their defense relies on the dependable Bernd Leno in goal, supported by a compact back four, making them resilient and tough to break down.
Chelsea vs. Fulham Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Chelsea and Fulham:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | Fulham | 1-0 |
| Fulham | Chelsea | 0-2 |
| Chelsea | Fulham | 2-0 |
| Chelsea | Fulham | 0-0 |
| Fulham | Chelsea | 2-1 |
Venue and Weather
The match will take place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s iconic home ground with a seating capacity of approximately 41,837. The Blues’ fortress has seen its fair share of thrilling Premier League fixtures, and this one promises to be no different.
On match day, the weather forecast in London predicts scattered clouds with a temperature of 7°C. Humidity is expected to be around 80%, with a gentle wind speed of 1.14 m/s.
These conditions are relatively mild and shouldn’t heavily impact either team’s game plan. However, the cool temperature might lead Chelsea and Fulham to employ a high-energy approach to keep warm and dominate possession.
Where to watch Chelsea FC vs Fulham match? (Live streaming)
Fans in India can watch the epic clash between Chelsea FC and Fulham on Star Sports Network. OTT users can tune in to Disney Hotstar for the streaming.
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