Chelsea host Fulham on Boxing Day in a West London Derby that could have consequences for both rivals in the top half of the Premier League table.
By Graham Ruthven
West London bragging rights
The rivalry between Chelsea and Fulham dates back over a century with the first meeting between the two sides taking place in 1910.
While the two teams spent decades competing in different divisions to each other, the Blues and the Cottagers are now very much on a similar level, although Enzo Maresca’s side will be favourites to claim three points on Boxing Day.
Chelsea come into the match on the back of a disappointing goalless draw against Everton which allowed Liverpool to stretch their lead at the top of the table to four points. The Blues can apply pressure by narrowing the gap to one point before Liverpool play later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Fulham are similarly fresh from a goalless draw of their own with Marco Silva’s team drawing 0-0 against Southampton on Sunday. The Cottagers have drawn their last three matches, winning just one of their last six.
For both Chelsea and Fulham, Boxing Day’s West London Derby could be a catalyst for a positive run of form over the Christmas period and into 2025.
Plenty of in form performers on show
Cole Palmer is one of the most reliable attacking forces in the Premier League and will be a threat for Chelsea in Thursday’s West London Derby. The 22-year-old has 11 goals and six assists in the league this season and could add to that against Fulham.
Nicolas Jackson has forged a strong understanding with Palmer at the head of the Chelsea attack. The Senegalese striker has netted three goals in his last five appearances and has added conviction to his game this season.
Enzo Fernández continues to grow as a goal-scoring midfielder in the Frank Lampard mould with the Argentinean expected to continue alongside Moisés Caicedo in the centre of the pitch.
Fulham’s left side will be key to their chances of pulling off a result at Stamford Bridge with Antonee Robinson currently one of the best full backs in the Premier League. The USA international dovetails well with Alex Iwobi ahead of him, giving Fulham genuine threat out wide.
Rodrigo Muniz could keep his place in the Fulham lineup after starting against Southampton although Raúl Jiménez is another option in the centre forward role for Silva. Adama Traoré will also be a threat to the Chelsea backline, particularly if he can find a final product.
Team news
Roméo Lavia remains a doubt for Chelsea having missed the last two weeks through injury and could be absent for the home match against Fulham, meaning Caicedo and Fernández are likely to start in central midfield again.
Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashille are also sidelined with Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test.
Emile Smith Rowe and Sander Berge are both nursing knocks and could miss the trip to Stamford Bridge with Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed expected to be sidelined for the derby.
Prediction
Chelsea can apply some pressure to leaders Liverpool with a win, at least until the Reds kick off their evening game against Leicester, and we’ll back Maresca’s side to pull that off: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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