Chelsea will aim to return to winning ways when they host fellow Londoners Fulham FC in the English Premier League this Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, at Stamford Bridge. Africa Football’s editor Allan Damba dives into the game’s analysis.
The Blues enter the match following a goalless stalemate against Everton over the weekend. Enzo Maresca’s team, riding a wave of form, struggled to break down Sean Dyche’s disciplined defense at Goodison Park on Sunday, ending their winning streak.
Desperate to turn their fortunes around, Chelsea will look to claim all three points in front of a packed Stamford Bridge as they seek to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool.
Against Marco Silva’s Fulham, Chelsea are expected to be without Omari Kellyman, Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, and Wesley Fofana, all sidelined with injuries.
Fulham, meanwhile, missed the chance to secure a win against bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Sunday, settling for a 0-0 draw despite dominating the game with 16 shots compared to Southampton’s five.
Marco Silva is also dealing with a host of injury concerns, with Emile Smith Rowe, Sander Berge, Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, and Harrison Reed all doubts for this clash. However, Andreas Pereira will return from suspension.
Our Prediction for Chelsea vs Fulham
To stay in the title race, Chelsea must win against Fulham, as they already sit four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. We, therefore, back a Home (Chelsea) win with odds of 1.50 on 1xbet.
Other viable bets include Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.58 and Over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.44 on 1xbet. As a West London derby, this match is expected to see more open play than both sides exhibited in their previous outings. Chelsea and Fulham have scored 14 and seven goals, respectively, in their last five games combined.
Chelsea Recent Form Analysis
Chelsea have remained unbeaten across all competitions in their last 12 games since their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on October 24. During this impressive run, they have recorded nine victories and three draws.
Sunday’s draw against Everton was the first time in 12 matches that Chelsea failed to score. They struggled to break down Sean Dyche’s low block and missed the few chances they created.
• Last Five Games: 4 wins, 1 draw
• Latest Result: Everton 0-0 Chelsea
Fulham Recent Form Analysis
Fulham have suffered only two losses in their last ten matches, demonstrating their ability to grind out results. However, they have drawn five of those games, with the other three ending in victories. Notably, they secured 1-1 and 2-2 draws against Arsenal and Liverpool, respectively.
Marco Silva remains unbeaten in his last five matches across all competitions, with four of those ending in draws.
• Last Five Games: 1 win, 4 draws
• Latest Result: Fulham 0-0 Southampton
Player to Watch
Nicolas Jackson: The Senegalese striker, born in Gambia, has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 17 games. His contribution will be crucial if Chelsea are to secure all three points against Fulham.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
We’ve identified the following as the best tips for this match:
• Home (Chelsea) win at 1xbet (1.50)
• Over 2.5 goals at 1xbet (1.44)
• Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1xbet (1.58)
