In this article…
Chelsea v Fulham
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Kick Off: Saturday 13th January at 12:30
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Competition: Premier League
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Watch Live: TNT Sports 1
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Chelsea’s midweek defeat to Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup has put the pressure back on Mauricio Pochettino. Despite the Championship team having a number of issues, they came away from the first leg with a deserved win.
However, Pochettino will have to park that for now and worry about climbing up the Premier League table. Despite back-to-back wins against Crystal Palace and Luton, Chelsea are languishing in 10th place and are once again underachieving.
A grand total of 15 points from 10 home matches is rather concerning, but they are fortunate to be facing a Fulham side who have struggled away from Craven Cottage.
Collecting just six points from 10 games on the road, as well as conceding 23 goals, something needs to change. Only Newcastle and Sheffield United have worse form on the road so far this season.
With Nicolas Jackson on international duty with Senegal at AFCON, Chelsea will turn to Cole Palmer for goals. With eight to his name in the Premier League, including a brace against Luton, the former Man City player will need to be on his game if Chelsea are to bounce back from their midweek defeat.
Chelsea v Fulham Cheat Sheet
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You can find Chelsea v Fulham match stats, on my bet builder stats tool, along with official line-ups one hour before kick-off.
🥅 Match stats: Recent Bridge form strong enough in derby
Although Chelsea’s overall Premier League form at Stamford Bridge has been average, they haven’t lost since a 2-0 defeat to Brentford back in October.
Their 4-4 draw against Man City was one of the standout games of the season to date, while a 3-2 win over Brighton was one of their most positive performances. Currently on a seven-match unbeaten run, and with a point to prove after their midweek disappointment, their Argentine coach will need a convincing victory to win the crowd over.
Although form goes out the window in derby matches, it’s hard not to be wary about Fulham’s form on the road. They haven’t won inside 90 minutes since a 3-1 victory over Ipswich in the EFL Cup.
Five defeats have followed, where they have conceded three goals in four of those matches. Back-to-back 3-0 defeats to an injury-hit Newcastle and Bournemouth will have fans concerned, although their 2-1 defeat away to Liverpool in the EFL Cup restored some faith – especially having taken the lead.
However, Fulham have never beaten Chelsea at the Bridge in the Premier League in 18 attempts since 2002. That doesn’t look likely to change this campaign, either.
Predictions:
⚽ Chelsea to win @ 1.62
⚽ Over 1.5 Chelsea goals @ 1.57
🎯 Shooting stats: Cole the goal the hosts’ main threat
As already mentioned, Chelsea heavily rely on Cole Palmer in order to get results. The 21-year-old had Luton in the palm of his hands when he scored a brace in their 3-2 win, and he scored the opener against Sheffield United the last time he featured in a Premier League game at home.
Palmer had four attempts in midweek against Middlesbrough, and even when he didn’t perform to his best, he was still the one looking to create and produce something in front of goal.
As well as his brace against Luton, the former Man City midfielder had five shots on goal at Kenilworth Road. In the 2-0 win over Sheffield United, Palmer mustered up not only a goal, but another five attempts at goal – with three on target.
The attacking midfielder has proven to be a big game player in his first season with Chelsea. Goals against Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United are why he is their most valuable player and top goalscorer this season.
Expect him to rise to the occasion and produce a moment of magic in an important clash.
Predictions:
⚽ Cole Palmer to have 1+ shot on target @ 1.36
⚽ Cole Palmer to score anytime @ 3.3
🟨 Cards and Fouls stats: Still value on Fulham’s enforcer
If Cole Palmer is to have a free role in between the midfield and defence, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha may be the man tasked with tracking him in his defensive midfield role.
With eight yellow cards in 17 Premier League matches, it’s safe to say Palhinha spends more time with referees than most.
It doesn’t appear to matter what situation his team is in either. Receiving a card in Fulham’s 5-0 win at home to West Ham as well as in defeats against Aston Villa and Man United indicates that the Portuguese doesn’t change his approach.
He’s certainly not one to shy away from a tackle and in a local derby he’s a likely candidate to pick up his ninth Premier League yellow of the season.
An outside swing for a yellow card is Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. The 20-year-old full back has picked up cards against Luton and Wolves since returning from injury.
With Fulham possessing plenty of pace on the wings in Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid, they also have experience on their side. Willian scored midweek against Liverpool, while Decordova-Reid bagged against Arsenal and Rotherham, and confidence will be high between the pair.
If either interchange or attack Chelsea’s full backs, and with Gusto still learning his trade, he may be forced into a tackle he doesn’t want to make.
Predictions:
⚽ Joao Palhinha to be shown a card @ 2.50
⚽ Malo Gusto to be shown a card @ 3.60
* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
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