Predictions
With or without Liam Rosenior officially in the dugout, Chelsea return to Premier League action on Wednesday evening with a short trip across West London to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Both sides come into the derby buoyed by dramatic late equalisers last time out. Chelsea snatched a 1-1 draw away at Manchester City, while Fulham stunned Liverpool with a 97th-minute leveller in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Chelsea searching for stability after turbulent week
Still reeling from the shock departure of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea were led at the Etihad Stadium by Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane, who faced the toughest possible test in his first senior assignment.
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Manchester City dominated large spells and looked on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders fired the hosts ahead before half-time. However, a lack of ruthlessness proved costly, as Enzo Fernandez bundled in a stoppage-time equaliser to spark wild celebrations in the away end.
Despite the morale boost, Chelsea are now four matches without a league win and sit fifth after 20 games, three points off the Champions League places. Victory on Wednesday would put them right back in contention.
Away form remains a concern, though. The Blues have won just one of their last six away games in all competitions and none of their last four Premier League matches on the road.
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Fulham quietly building momentum
Fulham also showed real character against Liverpool. After Cody Gakpo thought he had sealed the win for the champions, substitute Harrison Reed produced a stunning long-range strike deep into stoppage time to rescue a point.
Marco Silva’s side are now unbeaten in five Premier League games, taking 11 points from a possible 15, and sit 11th — just three points behind Chelsea.
The Cottagers have scored in 11 of their 12 home league games this season, failing to find the net only against leaders Arsenal. Despite missing several players to AFCON, Fulham have maintained balance and cohesion.
However, recent history favours Chelsea. Fulham have lost four of their last five league meetings with the Blues, including a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
Team News
Chelsea
- Moises Caicedo returns from suspension
- Marc Cucurella (thigh), Robert Sanchez (muscle) and Wesley Fofana (illness) remain doubts
- Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended
- Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are ruled out
Caicedo’s return could allow Reece James to move back into his preferred right-back role. There is also a possibility Cole Palmer could be rested after heavy festive minutes.
Fulham
- Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze remain away at AFCON
- Rodrigo Muniz is out with a thigh injury
- Kenny Tete, Ryan Sessegnon and Joshua King are doubts
Marco Silva is expected to stick with the back-three system that worked well against Liverpool.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham (3-4-3):
Leno; Cuenca, Andersen, Diop; Castagne, Berge, Lukic, Robinson; Wilson, De Cordova-Reid, Jimenez
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Form Guide
Fulham (PL): L W W W D D
Chelsea (PL): D W D L D D
Score Prediction
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea
Craven Cottage is never an easy place to visit, and Fulham have shown they can frustrate top sides with disciplined defensive setups and late-game resilience.
Chelsea remain in a period of transition while awaiting clarity on their managerial situation, and another tightly contested, low-scoring draw feels the most likely outcome in this West London derby.
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