Match for the 3rd round of the Premier League, at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea.
What We Know
- Chelsea were defeated 1-2 last season at home to Fulham. It was their first such defeat in 45 years!
- Chelsea have faced Fulham thrice in August, winning two and drawing one (the only one at home, back in 1967).
- Fulham manager Marco Silva has faced Chelsea as manager of 5 different teams (Sporting Lisbon, Hull, Watford, Everton, Fulham) and has won just 3 times (7 losses, 2 draws).
Betting tip Chelsea - Fulham
This West London derby has often been decided in the margins, but Chelsea have started to display the capabilities that make them a potential title contender, while at the same time having the home crowd behind them. Nevertheless, Fulham are a tough nut to crack, and they could bag a goal here.
- Prediction: BTTS
- Odds: 1.81 (at the time of writing)
Chelsea
Chelsea secured their first win in this season’s Premier League in impressive fashion, crushing West-Ham away from home (1-5). Despite falling behind in the 6th minute, the Blues reacted rapidly. They scored thrice between the 15th and the 34th minute, the first two with Joao Pedro and the third with Enzo Fernandez. Another torrential 5-minute period (54’-58’) in the second half saw two more goals (Caicedo and Chalobah) that transformed a win into a triumph.
This dominant performance washed away the bitterness of the opener vs Crystal Palace at home (0-0 draw). This time, Enzo Maresca saw his players show their tremendous quality both in creating chances and especially in finishing them. The defence was not bad either, despite conceding a goal.
Following this initial home win in the new season, Chelsea remain unbeaten at home in league games during 2025. The team continues to ‘shed’ players that are now deemed surplus to requirements; defender Anselmino and midfielder Chukwuemeka moved to Borussia Dortmund, and the English club is now reporting transfer sale income of up to 316 million Euros.
At the same time, they maintain interest in transferring attacking midfielder Simons (Leipzig) and winger Garnacho (Manchester United).
Fulham
Fulham remained unbeaten in the Premier League, earning a home 1-1 draw vs Manchester United. The Cottagers have to be satisfied with the result, considering the way the game played out. Fulham were on the passenger’s seat for most of the game, conceding chances (including a missed penalty) and eventually a goal around the hour mark (an unfortunate own goal).
Despite that, Fulham had the determination to find an equaliser with Smith-Rowe (73’) and safeguard the point until the end.
Two points in two games for Marco Silva and his team. Considering they went down and faced substantial pressure in both games, this is an entirely acceptable outcome. Despite lacking a traditional finisher up front, the team was able to avoid defeat on both occasions.
The Portuguese manager insists on the need for transfer reinforcements. He requires three additions to shore up his attack, both at the wings and down the middle.
It remains to be seen whether such requests will eventually be met in the few remaining days until the end of the transfer window, but it is crystal clear that the team needs additions. Their fighting spirit might not be enough in the future.
