HomeEPL - TeamsChelseaWest London Derby: Fulham and Chelsea’s Premier League Face-Off

West London Derby: Fulham and Chelsea’s Premier League Face-Off

West London Showdown: Fulham vs Chelsea Preview

Rivalry Reignited: Fulham and Chelsea Go Head-to-Head

The Fulham faithful and their Chelsea counterparts are gearing up for what promises to be another fiery encounter in the heart of west London. As both teams look to pen another chapter in their Premier League story, Craven Cottage will undoubtedly be alive with tension and rivalry come Monday night.

Photo: IMAGO

Recent Run of Form

Chelsea are coming off the back of a somewhat sombre spell, having concluded a painful three-match goal drought against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Notably, Nicolas Jackson’s crucial strike at the Bridge brought some much-needed respite to Mauricio Pochettino’s beleaguered side, who currently find themselves in an unfamiliar 14th position in the Premier League with a mere win from six outings.

On the flip side, Fulham have had their own set of roller-coaster moments. Having outplayed Championship contenders Norwich in the cup and secured a Premier League victory over Luton, Marco Silva’s troops settled for a draw against Crystal Palace. It’s been a mixed bag for Silva, with Fulham’s balance sheet showing two victories, two draws, and two losses, placing them comfortably mid-table.

Match Details

  • Date and Time: 8pm BST, Monday, October 2, 2023
  • Venue: The iconic Craven Cottage

Where to Catch the Action

For those in the UK, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will be broadcasting this electrifying derby, with the Monday Night Football coverage initiating from 6:30pm. Additionally, Sky Go app subscribers will have the privilege of streaming the game live.

Photo IMAGO

Injury and Suspension News

Fulham fans might have their fingers crossed for Serbian maestro, Sasa Lukic, who seems primed for a comeback after a groin injury. While Kenny Tete’s status remains uncertain, both Tosin Adarabioyo and Adama Traore are confirmed absentees.

Over at the Chelsea camp, suspension woes continue to haunt them. Nicolas Jackson, the recent hero against Brighton, will be missing out due to accumulated yellows. Malo Gusto is also serving a suspension, and the injury list appears extensive with Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marcus Bettinelli all sidelined. To top it off, Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, after a tunnel debacle post the Aston Villa defeat, could be facing a potential ban.

Game Prediction

Despite narrowly edging past a revamped Brighton side in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea’s display hardly inspired confidence. An upturn in fortune still seems distant, even with some positive sparks in recent games. The challenge gets steeper as they head into Fulham territory, a team eager to capitalise on Chelsea’s vulnerable state.

Photo: IMAGO

Given the current form and the intense nature of the derby, the pendulum could swing either way. However, the smart money might be on a pulsating 1-1 draw under the Craven Cottage floodlights.

Past Encounters: Fulham vs Chelsea

Chelsea, historically, have enjoyed the upper hand in this local feud. However, it’s been a while since they last tasted victory against Fulham, with their most recent win dating back to May 2021. Their previous season saw a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge and a 2-1 defeat at the Cottage. The overall tally stands at 50 wins for Chelsea, 12 for Fulham, and 27 draws.

In this Premier League chapter, Fulham would love nothing more than to heap further misery on their illustrious neighbours.

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