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The Blues will hope to return to winning ways when they host Alex Iwobi and Clavin Bassey’s Fulham at Stamford Bridge for Boxing Day football. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
This frustrating draw leaves the Blues four points adrift of Liverpool, who top the table with a game in hand.
Chelsea yearns to recapture their winning rhythm at Stamford Bridge in their final home fixture of 2024 in their Boxing Day fixture.
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Standing in their way is a resilient Fulham side, currently ninth in the league. While their recent form has been a mixed bag of draws, they have recently recorded some decent results against formidable opponents such as Tottenham, Arsenal, and Liverpool, which is a testament to their growing strength.
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Chelsea vs. Fulham Head to Head
The Blues have enjoyed home dominance in this fixture, unbeaten in their last 19 league games against the visitors on home soil (12W, 7D).
Fulham's history against Chelsea reads like a grim tale: just two victories in their last 34 encounters.
The Cottagers have suffered 21 defeats at the hands of their west London rivals, with a meagre 6% win rate, which stands as the worst for any team facing another in Premier League history among teams that have met 20 times minimum.
However, the hosts have lost two of their last three PL games on Boxing Day, while Fulham have lost just one of their last seven games on the same day.
Chelsea vs. Fulham Team News and Possible Lineups
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Chelsea's defensive ranks receive a much-needed boost with the return of Marc Cucurella from suspension. Expect him to seamlessly reclaim his starting spot, likely displacing Axel Disasi in the process.
While Reece James has resumed training, a return to action for this fixture seems unlikely. Romeo Lavia, sidelined since the Tottenham victory, might be available for selection, adding depth to the midfield.
For Fulham, Kenny Tete's absence will see Timothy Castagne continue to hold down the right flank.
Reiss Nelson's hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for another two months, a significant blow to Fulham's attacking options.
However, there's hope for Emile Smith Rowe to make a return after missing the Southampton draw.
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Chelsea Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Colwill, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Fulham Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Leno (GK); Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Cairney; Wilson, Iwobi, Traore; Muniz
Chelsea vs. Fulham Predictions & Betting Tips
Chelsea, eager to bounce back from their draw against Everton, are likely to dominate possession and create more scoring chances. However, Fulham, known for their resilience and ability to frustrate opponents, will make it a tough battle. Expect a closely contested match with Chelsea edging out a narrow victory.
Chelsea to win
Both teams to score
Over 2.5 cards
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