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FC Fulham – Chelsea FC
The quarter-final pairings in the EFL Cup still take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. But also the Premier League doesn’t stop and gives us a very interesting set-up with the catch-up match between Fulham and Chelsea. What makes this clash special is that it is not just one of the many London derbies, but there is a real rivalry between the two clubs. In fact, not only does Fulham have its home in the eponymous part of London, but the Blues also play their games at Stamford Bridge, which is located at Fulham Road.
For years, Fulham were the big underdogs in this match, but the situation is different ahead of the current clash. Chelsea are in the midst of a very difficult season, running miles behind their own expectations, have already changed coaches and are plagued by bad luck with injuries. Fulham, on the other hand, are currently three points ahead of the Blues in 7th place. Find out whether Marco Silva’s team can hold their own against their rivals in their own stadium in our Fulham – Chelsea betting tips.
Fulham – Chelsea info:
– Date & Time: 12.01.2023, 21:00 Uhr
– Venue: Craven Cottage, London
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 7
– TV broadcast: Sky
Fulham Form & Balance Check
This past weekend was a very successful one for Fulham Football Club. The Cottagers prevailed in the 3rd round of the FA Cup against the second division club Hull City with a 2-0 away victory. It was the fourth consecutive must-win game for the Londoners, as the Lillywhites had previously beaten Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester City in the Premier League. The win streak ended Coach Silva’s side’s previous four-match winless drought in the Premier League. The Cottagers are the best promoted side this season after 18 matchdays.
Three times to nil
As promoted sides from the Championship, it is particularly remarkable that Fulham have won three of their last four without conceding a goal. Only Southampton managed to score in their 2-1 home win over the Lillywhites. With 27 goals now conceded in 18 games so far, the defence, while not impeccable, is the best of all three promoted sides. Bournemouth (39) and Nottingham Forrest (34) conceded more goals. And with 30 goals so far, the attack is also impressive. Liverpool, for example, have only scored four more goals so far.
Fulham facts & analysis
– Fulham are 7th in the table with 28 points.
– The Cottagers won three games in a row.
– Most recently, Fulham won 2-0 in the FA Cup at Hull City.
Chelsea Form & Balance Check
There’s no end in sight to Chelsea’s woes. After losing 1-0 at home to Manchester City in the Premier League last Thursday, coach Graham Potter’s side lost again to the Citizens at the weekend. But this time it was more emphatic. Chelsea went down 4-0 at the Etihad and couldn’t get anything going. Already in the 1-0 home defeat, Chelsea showed that their injury worries are very serious. Young talent Carney Chukwuemeka made the only real shot on goal in the 44th minute (hit the post). Last Sunday Potter fielded a starting eleven that was competitive again, but lacked everything that makes for good football. Chelsea have now waited three games for a win. The 2-0 win over Bournemouth also remains their last win from their last eight competitive games.
Once again without a goal
With Chelsea in their current situation, losing twice to Manchester City in just a few days can happen. But it is also a question of how the defeat comes about. The Blues are incredibly harmless on the offensive and lack any trace of danger. On Sunday, Mason Mount was back in the mix after recovering from injury, but the England international failed to score either. Thus, Chelsea have scored in only two of their last eight matches. Only against the two promoted teams Bournemouth and Nottingham Forrest did the Blues manage to score.
Chelsea facts & analysis
– Chelsea are in 10th place in the table with 25 points.
– The Blues have won just one of their last eight competitive matches.
– Most recently, Chelsea lost 4-0 at Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Predicted line-up – last update on 10 January 2023
Coach Marco Silva has the Cottagers defending compactly in a 4-2-3-1 system and playing bold football when in possession. In Aleksandar Mitrović, Fulham have a real goalscorer on the field, who has already scored eleven goals.
Mason Mount made his comeback after a week of injury in the recent 4-0 defeat to Man City. In addition, newcomer David Datro Fofana was allowed to make his debut. It cannot be ruled out that the young African will start in Graham Potter’s 4-3-3 system on Thursday evening. The same goes for newcomer Benoît Badiashile in central defence. On the other hand, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Armando Broja and Wesley Fofana continue to be missing.
Fulham – Chelsea direct comparison & stats
This rivalry has been very one-sided for quite some time. Chelsea have won seven derbies in a row and are actually unbeaten in 20 games against Fulham.
– Fulham last won against Chelsea in March 2006. On that occasion, the Cottagers won 1-0 at home.
– Fulham have lost four consecutive home games against Chelsea.
– In 2012 this duel at Craven Cottage last ended without a winner.
