Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction
Recent Form
Home Team
Farense 1–2 Fulham
Málaga 2–2 Fulham
Fulham 1–0 Stuttgart
Fulham 2–0 Newcastle
(Earlier competitive result) Fulham 1–1 Sunderland
Fulham have entered the new campaign with a positive pre-season.
They won 2 of their friendlies and kept two clean sheets. One good thing about Fulham is their defensive organization.
Conceding just twice in their last three friendlies show that they are capable of keeping Chelsea at bay.
Away Team
Chelsea 6–4 Western Sydney
Chelsea 1–2 Tottenham
Chelsea 0–1 Juventus
Chelsea 3–0 Milan
Chelsea 3–1 Real Sociedad
Chelsea has been scoring a lot in their preseason games and they only failed to score against Juventus when they lost 1-0.
The other fixture that they lost, against Tottenham, they still scored once.
While the team may look prone to conceding, the attacking options at Xabi Alonso's disposal is one that really ticks and they can cause Fulham problems.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea 2–1 Fulham
Fulham 0–2 Chelsea
Chelsea 1–0 Fulham
Fulham 2–1 Chelsea
Chelsea 2–0 Fulham
This London fixture is one that has gone the way of both teams at intervals.
Chelsea have had the upper hand over Fulham but it isn't too significant.
Key Statistics
Chelsea have historically dominated this fixture, with considerably more victories than Fulham across the overall competitive history.
The important point for this selection is not simply the historical record but the difference in squad quality and attacking depth.
Fulham's home advantage reduces the likelihood of a comfortable Chelsea victory, which is why X2 is preferable to an outright away win.
Chelsea also have enough attacking quality to make the Over 1.5 alternative attractive.
Team News
Fulham have some concerns around their defensive and midfield options, while Joachim Andersen's suspension is particularly relevant because of the experience he provides at the back.
Chelsea also have absences and doubts, but their squad depth means they can replace missing players without changing the overall quality of the XI to the same degree.
Their attacking options remain the major advantage.
Prediction Analysis
Fulham should make this competitive, especially at Craven Cottage, but Chelsea have more ways of creating chances and changing the game from the bench.
The safest position is therefore over 1.5 or away win or draw rather than demanding an outright Chelsea victory.
This match can potentially produce a 1–1 or 1–2 scoreline.