Chelsea vs Fulham Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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THE FACTS
When is Chelsea vs Fulham on and what time does it start? Chelsea vs Fulham will take place on Saturday 13th January, 2024 – 12:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Chelsea vs Fulham? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for Chelsea vs Fulham
Where can I stream Chelsea vs Fulham in the UK? If Chelsea vs Fulham is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
CHELSEA
A touch of Cole Palmer's brilliance played a pivotal role in securing Chelsea's hard-fought victory away to Luton in their previous league outing. Despite the valiant efforts of former Blues midfielder Ross Barkley in the final 10 minutes, Mauricio Pochettino's side managed to escape Kenilworth Road with the coveted three points.
Pursuit of a European spot now appears to be an improbable task, making each match a critical opportunity to regain momentum.
A 1-0 setback in the first leg of the League Cup against Middlesbrough has cast a shadow over Chelsea's aspirations of winning silverware this year. Victory in the league is not just vital for their standings, but also confidence to overturn that first leg.
FULHAM
Also participating in midweek EFL Cup proceedings, Fulham fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Anfield, despite initially taking the lead in the first half against the Premier League leaders. Willian's goal provides the Cottagers with a glimmer of hope as they gear up for the return leg, aiming to turn the tide in their favour.
Much like their counterparts in West London, Fulham's season has been marred by inconsistency, with glimpses of brilliance and moments of disappointment. A notable highlight came on New Year's Eve when they emerged victorious against Arsenal, signaling their capacity to contend with the elite.
CHELSEA
Mauricio Pochettino has described Carney Chukwuemeka as 'so close' to returning to the first team while defensive duo Benoit Badiashile and Ben Chilwell will be available for the squad once again.
He will, though, remain without Christopher Nkunku, who has not trained for ten days, but Trevoh Chalobah has returned. The likes of Robert Sanchez and Wesley Fofana remain out, but the former is making good progress.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Broja
UNAVAILABLE: Sanchez (Injured), Fofana (Injured), James (Injured), Cucurella (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Ugochukwu (Injured), Jackson (International duty), Nkunku (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Chalobah (Fitness), Chukwuemeka (Injured)
FULHAM
After featuring against Liverpool in midweek, Harrison Reed has been unwell and described as still not 'perfect' by Marco Silva but there is still time for the Englishman to recover ahead of the short trip to Stamford Bridge.
Other than that, Adama Traore remains unavailable due to injury, whilst Fode Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are on international duty with Nigeria at AFCON. Tim Ream returned to the squad on Wednesday evening.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
UNAVAILABLE: Traore (Injured), Ballo-Toure (International duty), Bassey (International duty), Iwobi (International duty)
QUESTIONABLE: Reed (Illness)
THE PREDICTION
Although Fulham could depart Anfield with a sense of pride in their midweek performance, the defeat to Liverpool once more laid bare the defensive frailties that haunt the Cottagers when playing away from home.
Under Pochettino's guidance, Chelsea have rediscovered their winning formula on home turf. Additionally, the squad stands to gain an advantage with an extra 24 hours of rest, setting the stage for a potential victory in Saturday' derby clash.
TIP: CHELSEA TO WIN
