By Graham Ruthven
West London bragging rights
The rivalry between Chelsea and Fulham dates again over a century with the primary assembly between the 2 sides happening in 1910.
Whereas the 2 groups spent many years competing in numerous divisions to one another, the Blues and the Cottagers at the moment are very a lot on an identical stage, though Enzo Maresca’s aspect shall be favourites to say three factors on Boxing Day.
Chelsea come into the match on the again of a disappointing goalless draw towards Everton which allowed Liverpool to stretch their lead on the high of the desk to 4 factors. The Blues can apply stress by narrowing the hole to at least one level earlier than Liverpool play later within the night.
In the meantime, Fulham are equally recent from a goalless draw of their very own with Marco Silva’s staff drawing 0-0 towards Southampton on Sunday. The Cottagers have drawn their final three matches, profitable simply considered one of their final six.
For each Chelsea and Fulham, Boxing Day’s West London Derby may very well be a catalyst for a constructive run of type over the Christmas interval and into 2025.
Loads of in type performers on present
Cole Palmer is likely one of the most dependable attacking forces within the Premier League and shall be a menace for Chelsea in Thursday’s West London Derby. The 22-year-old has 11 objectives and 6 assists within the league this season and will add to that towards Fulham.
Nicolas Jackson has cast a robust understanding with Palmer on the head of the Chelsea assault. The Senegalese striker has netted three objectives in his final 5 appearances and has added conviction to his recreation this season.
Enzo Fernández continues to develop as a goal-scoring midfielder within the Frank Lampard mould with the Argentinean anticipated to proceed alongside Moisés Caicedo within the centre of the pitch.
Fulham’s left aspect shall be key to their possibilities of pulling off a end result at Stamford Bridge with Antonee Robinson presently top-of-the-line full backs within the Premier League. The USA worldwide dovetails effectively with Alex Iwobi forward of him, giving Fulham real menace out vast.
Rodrigo Muniz might maintain his place within the Fulham lineup after beginning towards Southampton though Raúl Jiménez is an alternative choice within the centre ahead position for Silva. Adama Traoré may even be a menace to the Chelsea backline, notably if he can discover a closing product.
Crew information
Roméo Lavia stays a doubt for Chelsea having missed the final two weeks by harm and may very well be absent for the house match towards Fulham, which means Caicedo and Fernández are prone to begin in central midfield once more.
Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashille are additionally sidelined with Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended after failing a medicine take a look at.
Emile Smith Rowe and Sander Berge are each nursing knocks and will miss the journey to Stamford Bridge with Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed anticipated to be sidelined for the derby.
Prediction
Chelsea can apply some stress to leaders Liverpool with a win, at the very least till the Reds kick off their night recreation towards Leicester, and we’ll again Maresca’s aspect to tug that off: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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