England Premier League
Saturday 13th January 2024
Kick off at 12:30pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Match Preview:
Chelsea have already beaten their west London neighbours earlier this season and despite a difficult first half to the campaign will be the odds on favourites to win this returning clash. With so few Premier League games this weekend this feels like an opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino’s side to get the win and try to move up the table. In a best case scenario they could go as high as 8th.
The Blues are in 10th place coming into this weekend and have won 3 of their last four games. Recent victories have come against Crystal Palace and Luton and in the FA Cup they had no problems in beating Preston 4-0. The club also had to play in midweek in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final and they lost 1-0 against Middlesbrough. It’s a bad result for the club but at the end of the day it was away from home and you would feel with the squad they have that they will be confident to get the job done in the 2nd leg at home. In the league at home they have managed to win just 40% of their games however recent home form has seen three wins in a row and we would have to go back to the end of October for the last defeat in front of their own fans.
Fulham are in 13th place and with 24 points are four behind their hosts. They are a side who can still surprise and their latest one was beating Arsenal in their last game 2-1. A surprise because Marco Silva’s side were on a 3 game losing run. For now the Cottagers could only move up one place and past Bournemouth with a win here. Away form has been very poor with four defeats in a row and just 1 point won from their last 15 on offer. Overall they have managed to lose 60% of their games on the road and have just 1 victory and overall they would rank in 18th place on away form alone. Like Chelsea, Fulham have been busy in two cup competitions over the past week. In the FA Cup they scraped past Rotherham with a 1-0 home victory. In the EFL Cup semi-final they lost 2-1 against Liverpool. For now that may not be the worst result given that they will be at home for the second leg, but the Reds will remain the favourites to advance.
Team News:
Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson is on international duty, Carney Chukwuemeka is in line to return and will be assessed.Trevoh Chabolah is back in training after a long spell out but has fitness issues. Christopher Nkunku is injured again with a hip injury and is set to miss out. Marc Cucarella is not expected back for two months due to an ankle injury. Robert Sanchez is out for at least four weeks with a knee injury. Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu and Wesley Fofana all remain out with no fixed return dates.
Fulham: Harrison Reed is expected to return after illness, Matthew Dibley-Dias remains a doubt as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Fode Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are all on international duty. Adama Traore isn’t due back until the end of the month as he has a hamstring injury.
Chelsea vs Fulham Head to Head:
Last season thi fixture finished 0-0.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Chelsea won 2-0.
In the last 24 meetings Fulham has won just once.
There is a 60% chance to see under 2.5 goals.
Chelsea vs Fulham Prediction:
Chelsea are odds on but for some 1.57 isn’t the worst price or they could be used in a double. Chelsea, let's remember, have been average this season even poor when you look at their squad and budget but this looks like a good time to back them, they have found form and especially at home and we will be doing so.
In the earlier fixture Mykhailo Mudryk had a superb game and really ran the show. At times he has been underwhelming but is growing in confidence and has looked better in the last few weeks and we will back him to score like he did last time against Fulham. The Cottagers are not ones to roll over easily but this looks like being a tough ask for them in the current climate.
Chelsea vs Fulham Betting Tips:
Chelsea to beat Fulham at 1.57
Anytime goalscorer: Mykhailo Mudryk at 3.75
A player to be sent off at 4.33
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
