Fulham vs Chelsea: Premier League Preview

Form Guide

Fulham were edged out 1-0 by Bournemouth on Monday evening, marking their third defeat in the past five league games. Despite a solid performance, the Cottagers once again conceded first—a recurring issue, as they've done so in each of their last four matches. Marco Silva’s men have shown inconsistency during this stretch, alternating between wins and losses across their last seven Premier League outings.

Chelsea, meanwhile, saw their own inconsistencies exposed once again. After clawing back a 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Ipswich Town last weekend—despite dominating with 34 shots—they followed that with a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League. Fortunately for the Blues, their 3-0 first-leg cushion was enough to send them through to the semi-finals.

Head-to-Head History

While Chelsea have historically dominated this West London rivalry, Fulham have started to turn the tide in recent years. The Cottagers have beaten the Blues twice in their last five Premier League meetings (W2 D1 L2), more victories than they managed in the previous 40 clashes combined. With a 2-1 win already under their belt from the reverse fixture, Fulham are now aiming to complete a first-ever league double over Chelsea.

However, the visitors have reason for optimism: Chelsea have won five of their last six league visits to Craven Cottage (L1) and will be motivated to end a troubling eight-game winless streak away from home in the league (D3 L5).

What’s at Stake

Fulham, currently ninth with 48 points, are six behind Aston Villa in seventh—a position that may secure European qualification depending on domestic cup outcomes. Their European hopes hinge on fixing their recent defensive frailties, having conceded eight goals in their last four games while scoring just twice.

Chelsea, on the other hand, sit sixth with 54 points and are just one point shy of fifth-placed Manchester City. With Champions League football still within reach, every remaining league fixture is crucial for Enzo Maresca’s men, particularly given their poor recent form—just one win in their last four top-flight matches.

Team News

Fulham:

• Out: Harry Wilson (injury), Reiss Nelson (injury)
• Doubt: None reported
• Likely XI: Raul Jimenez is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by Iwobi, Pereira, and Sessegnon. Lukic and Berge should start in midfield, with Andersen and Bassey anchoring the back line.
  
   

Chelsea:

• Out: Wesley Fofana (injury), Gabriel Slonina (injury)
• Doubt: Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah missed midweek action but could return.
• Likely XI: Robert Sánchez will start in goal, protected by Colwill and Chalobah if fit. Midfield pairing of Caicedo and Enzo Fernández is expected, while Cole Palmer will play behind Nicolas Jackson up front.
  
   

Players to Watch

• Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham): Has scored in three of his last five London derbies, often making an impact off the bench.
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea): A central figure in Chelsea’s attack, Palmer will be key to unlocking Fulham’s defence after another lively performance in Europe.

Stats to Note:

• Chelsea’s games average the most cards per game of any side in the league - averaging 5.5 cards per game in the Premier League after 32 games.
• A Premier League-high 72% of Fulham’s league games this season (23 out of 32) have seen both teams score—suggesting Sunday’s derby could be another end-to-end affair.
• Only Liverpool and Manchester City have averaged more xG per 90 this season in the Premier League (1.82 xG per 90)
• Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have produced more xG per 90 than Rodrigo Muniz (0.76xG per 90)