Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction & Match Preview – Wednesday, 7 January

Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction & Match Preview: These two sides meet in the Premier League on Wednesday, 7 January. The match will be played at Craven Cottage, renowned for its unique atmosphere and passionate home support. Fulham, aiming to climb the league table, will be keen to capitalise on their home advantage against a Chelsea side that has been a formidable force in recent seasons.

This fixture is significant for both teams: Fulham are seeking vital points to improve their league standing, while Chelsea look to maintain their position among the top contenders. With plenty at stake, this Premier League clash promises an intriguing battle at Craven Cottage. Supporters can expect a competitive match as Fulham and Chelsea both strive to deliver their best.

Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Chelsea to Win	2.11

Chelsea enter this West London derby as clear favourites to take all three points, with odds of 1.65 reflecting their dominant historical record against Fulham and their current form. The return of key players such as Reece James and Andreas Christensen strengthens their defensive stability, while N’Golo Kanté’s potential involvement adds further depth and flexibility. Fulham’s struggles against top-six sides, combined with Chelsea’s recent momentum, make backing the Blues a solid betting choice.

• Chelsea have won 52 of 91 meetings with Fulham, underlining their dominance in this fixture.
• The return of key defensive players for Chelsea enhances their prospects of a strong performance.
• Fulham’s inconsistency against top-six opponents, especially at home, tilts the balance in Chelsea’s favour.

Betting Odds

In this Premier League encounter, Chelsea are considered favourites with odds of 2.11, but Fulham’s home advantage at Craven Cottage should not be underestimated, especially with their odds at 3.34. The draw is priced at 3.53, indicating a potentially close contest.

Betting Tip	Odds
Fulham to win	3.34
Draw	3.53
Chelsea to win	2.11

For those considering a wager, the match odds suggest potential value in backing a draw, given Chelsea’s recent away form. Additionally, with both teams possessing attacking quality, the over 2.5 goals market could also be a worthwhile option.

Fulham: Analysis & Recent Performance

Fulham have shown resilience recently, remaining unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches with two wins and three draws. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier teams at Craven Cottage.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fulham	Liverpool	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Fulham	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
West Ham	Fulham	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Fulham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	22 Dec 2025
Newcastle	Fulham	2 – 1 (Loss)	EFL Cup	17 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Fulham have averaged 1.60 goals per match while conceding an average of 1.00. They have scored in all five matches and kept two clean sheets, indicating a reliable defence. However, they have also shown some vulnerability, conceding in 60% of these fixtures.

Fulham’s home form this season has been solid, with a win ratio of 0.50 across ten matches. They’ve scored an average of 1.70 goals per game at home, conceding 1.50, which points to a balanced but slightly fragile defence. Key player Harry Wilson, with six goals this season, remains central to their attacking threat.

Currently 11th in the Premier League with 28 points, Fulham’s strengths lie in their consistent goal-scoring and home resilience. Defensive lapses remain a concern, especially against more aggressive opponents. Their tactical flexibility and adaptability under pressure will be crucial in upcoming fixtures.

• DDWWL

Fulham: Suspensions & Injuries

Fulham are contending with several injury concerns ahead of their Premier League match against Chelsea. Rodrigo Muniz is sidelined until early February with a hamstring injury, reducing Fulham’s attacking depth. Ryan Sessegnon is also out with a hamstring issue, though he is expected back within a few days, which may still affect squad rotation. Kenny Tete’s knock will keep him out until mid-January, potentially impacting Fulham’s defensive stability, particularly on the flanks.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Rodrigo Muniz	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Sessegnon	Hamstring Injury	Few days
Kenny Tete	Knock	Mid January 2026
Joshua King	Knee Injury	Doubtful

Joshua King’s potential absence due to a knee injury leaves Fulham short of options up front, placing more responsibility on Raúl Jiménez to deliver. These injuries may force Marco Silva to rely on less experienced players or adapt his formations to maintain balance.

With these key players unavailable, Fulham’s ability to field their strongest XI is compromised. This could influence betting markets, with Chelsea seen as having a slight edge, especially given Fulham’s reduced attacking options and defensive vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, Fulham will need to make the most of their available talents to offset these absences.

Fulham: Key Players

Harry Wilson stands out as Fulham’s top scorer with six goals this season, underlining his ability to find the net. His tendency to cut inside from the wing and unleash powerful shots makes him a constant threat. Wilson’s partnership with Emile Smith Rowe in midfield adds creativity and flair, with Smith Rowe’s vision and passing creating numerous chances.

Raúl Jiménez is expected to lead the line. His experience and physical presence make him a focal point in Fulham’s attack, capable of holding up play and linking with midfield runners. At the back, Joachim Andersen’s leadership and aerial strength are vital for keeping Chelsea’s forwards at bay.

Expected Fulham lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
• Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Issa Diop
• Midfielders: Antonee Robinson, Timothy Castagne, Sasa Lukic, Tom Cairney, Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe
• Forward: Raúl Jiménez

Fulham: Tactics & Formation

Fulham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Raúl Jiménez
• Midfield Pivot: Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney
• Defensive Strength: Three-man defence with Joachim Andersen as the linchpin
• Notable Strategy: Quick transitions and wing-back support in attack.

Fulham’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Marco Silva is designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. The back three of Joachim Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, and Issa Diop form a robust defensive line, capable of dealing with aerial threats and maintaining discipline.

In midfield, Sasa Lukic and Tom Cairney act as the pivot, breaking up opposition play and launching transitions. Wing-backs Antonee Robinson and Timothy Castagne are crucial, offering width and support in both phases.

Going forward, Raúl Jiménez leads the line, supported by the creativity of Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe. Fulham’s approach often focuses on rapid transitions and exploiting the flanks, a tactic that has brought success, though defensive lapses suggest room for improvement in keeping clean sheets.

Chelsea: Analysis & Recent Performance

Chelsea have shown a mix of resilience and inconsistency in recent matches, registering just one win in their last five games across all competitions. Recent fixtures include draws against Manchester City (1-1) and Bournemouth (2-2), and a defeat to Aston Villa (1-2).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Manchester City	Chelsea	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Chelsea	Bournemouth	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Chelsea	Aston Villa	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Newcastle	Chelsea	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Cardiff	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Win)	EFL Cup	16 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• DDLDW

In their last five matches, Chelsea have averaged 1.80 goals per game, scoring nine and conceding eight. Their defence has struggled to keep clean sheets, managing none in this period, highlighting a potential vulnerability. However, their consistent scoring—finding the net in all five matches—is a positive, even though their win ratio stands at just 20%, both overall and away.

Chelsea: Suspensions & Injuries

Chelsea are dealing with several injuries ahead of their meeting with Fulham. Levi Colwill’s cruciate ligament injury rules him out until late April 2026, a significant blow to the defence. With Colwill sidelined, Chelsea may have to rely more on Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile to maintain defensive solidity.

Midfield options are also limited, with Dário Essugo and Roméo Lavia both recovering from thigh injuries, expected back by mid-January 2026. Their absence restricts rotation for Calum McFarlane, especially in maintaining energy levels throughout the match. Marc Cucurella’s hamstring concern adds to the defensive worries, with his status listed as doubtful, possibly forcing tactical adjustments.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Levi Colwill	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Dário Essugo	Thigh injury	Mid January 2026
Roméo Lavia	Thigh injury	Mid January 2026
Marc Cucurella	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful

These injuries could prompt Chelsea to adopt a more conservative approach against Fulham, potentially affecting their attacking fluidity. With key midfielders out, Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer will be tasked with providing creativity in midfield. This situation may also influence betting markets, with Chelsea perhaps seen as less dominant given their current squad limitations.

Chelsea: Key Players

Leading Chelsea’s attack is João Pedro, the team’s top scorer with six goals this season. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant threat to opposing defences. As the focal point of Chelsea’s forward line, Pedro’s ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial against Fulham.

In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer are key. Fernández’s vision and passing provide the creativity to unlock defences, while Palmer’s dynamic playmaking supports both attack and defence. Reece James, operating in an advanced midfield role, adds versatility and an extra attacking threat with his crossing.

Expected Chelsea lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Filip Jørgensen
• Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, Malo Gusto
• Midfielders: Estevão, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Reece James
• Forward: João Pedro

At the back, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile form a solid partnership. Chalobah’s physicality and Badiashile’s composure are vital for defensive stability. Chelsea’s tactical approach will likely focus on balancing defensive organisation with dynamic forward play, making the most of these key players.

Chelsea: Tactics & Formation

Chelsea Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: João Pedro
• Midfield Pivot: Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer
• Defensive Strength: Solid partnership with Chalobah and Badiashile
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation offers flexibility in both attack and defence. Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer in midfield provide a blend of creativity and defensive stability, while João Pedro leads the line as the main attacking threat. This setup aims to dominate possession and create opportunities through swift ball movement and transitions.

Defensively, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoît Badiashile anchor the centre-back positions, supported by full-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto. Maintaining defensive discipline will be crucial, especially given recent struggles to keep clean sheets.

Offensively, Chelsea focus on high pressing to regain possession quickly and exploit spaces left by opponents. The pace and dribbling of wingers Estevão and Pedro Neto are key in stretching defences and providing service to João Pedro.

Fulham vs Chelsea: Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Fulham and Chelsea, Chelsea have dominated with 27 wins to Fulham’s 3, alongside 12 draws. The last meeting saw Chelsea secure a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, maintaining their strong form against Fulham.

The most recent Premier League clash at Craven Cottage ended with Chelsea edging Fulham 2-1, underlining their ability to perform away from home. Fulham will be eager to reverse the trend, but history suggests Chelsea’s dominance may continue.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Chelsea	Fulham	2 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-30
Fulham	Chelsea	1 – 2	Premier League	2025-04-20
Chelsea	Fulham	1 – 2	Premier League	2024-12-26
Chelsea	Fulham	1 – 0	Premier League	2024-01-13
Fulham	Chelsea	0 – 2	Premier League	2023-10-02