Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With west London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday lunchtime, Chelsea will welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have opened the 2025/26 campaign with a downbeat 0-0 stalemate at home against Crystal Palace, Enzo Maresca’s side come roaring back in some style last weekend. Putting in what was a dominant performance away at historic rivals West Ham, the former Leicester boss also saw his squad embark on a sensational summer flurry. Crowned Club World Cup champions on July 17th as they clinched a famous 3-0 romp against PSG over in the Unites States, some have tipped the Blues as a potential title dark horse this season. Pencilled in as a standout contender here, Chelsea have also gained a real reputation for their extended dominance on home soil. In fact, the Blues have not suffered a single domestic defeat at Stamford Bridge so far this calendar year.
Chelsea Team News
Still expected to complete a late summer move away from west London, Senegal international Nicolas Jackson is not expected to feature here. Likewise, sustaining a long-term knee injury over the summer, Levi Colwill faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Opening his Premier League account against West Ham last weekend, summer recruit Joao Pedro will lead the line on Saturday lunchtime. Despite continued speculation over a potential Stamford Bridge exit, Robert Sanchez will start between the sticks.
Fulham
As for the visitors, while Fulham might have clinched a 1-1 stalemate at home against Manchester United last weekend, Marco Silva’s men will certainly feel that they missed out on a golden opportunity. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with another 1-1 draw away at Fulham earlier in the month, there has been some suggestions that the former Everton boss is growing frustrated in west London. Largely limping their way over the finish line last season as they lost seven of their final 10 appearances across all competitions, Fulham have failed to find any real stability so far this calendar year. Despite landing a 2-1 win when they last travelled to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, Silva’s side look set for what will be a stern examination here.
Fulham Team News
Ahead of Saturday’s trip across west London, Fulham have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns. Making a second-half cameo appearance against Manchester United last weekend, Antonee Robinson should get some more minutes under his belt.
Bagging an EFL Cup strike against Bristol City earlier in the week, Mexican striker Raul Jimenez could be handed a full recall. Making back-to-back Premier League starts since opening up the new campaign 18-year-old Joshua King should keep his spot from the start.
Chelsea vs Fulham Key Factors to Consider
- When Fulham last travelled to Stamford Bridge back on Boxing Day, the Cottagers picked up a shock 2-1 victory.
- However, Chelsea have won each of their other four meetings against Saturday’s guests across all competitions.
- Chelsea have not suffered a single competitive defeat at Stamford Bridge so far this calendar year.
- Continuing on from last season, Fulham have won just three of their previous 12 meetings against Premier League opposition.
- 10 of the last 11 meetings between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Fulham might have clinched a shock 2-1 victory when they last travelled to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, the Cottagers look set for what is a stern examination here. With Chelsea winning each of their other four meetings against Saturday’s guests, Maresca’s men will be looking to make a real statement. Storming their way to a sensational 5-1 romp away at West Ham last weekend, the former Leicester boss has also seen his squad gain a reputation for their extended success on home soil. Not suffering a single domestic defeat in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year, we are backing a home victory here.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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