Mark your calendars Chelsea fans! It’s the West London derby as Chelsea take on Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. The Blues will be looking to bring back their winning ways after a frustrating draw against Everton. Fulham, competitive under Marco Silva but historically hopeless against Chelsea, will be keen to show they can step out of that underdog role.
Let’s face it: Historically Chelsea has dominated this fixture but Fulham may spring a surprise. Boxing Day football is rarely short of a chuckle, and this should be one cracker of a Christmas cracker.
Chelsea’s Recent Form: A Speed Bump or a Slippery Slope?
Chelsea ended their back-to-back winning run with Sunday’s draw against Everton, and it wasn’t particularly pretty. Even though Everton was down on the park, Everton was capable of holding on and dominating possession while creating chances that England couldn’t break through. And Stamford Bridge faithful will be hoping their side doesn’t hand them three points on a plate this time.
Chelsea might have a few jitters defensively. Santa’s elves couldn’t fix those injuries and lapses in time: gaps remain. However, rest assured, this is still a side that can go between ‘meh’ and sensational in the blink of a Mason Mount through ball.
Fulham: A Feisty, Fearless Foe
Resilience, grit, and sometimes brilliance: Fulham’s path back to the Premier League. For now, they’ve dodged the dreaded yo-yo club fate under Marco Silva. Yes, this isn’t the rustic ‘we’re ready for Chelsea’ response, but Fulham has proved they’re not pushovers.
However, it’s still a tragic tale against Chelsea. Nineteen winless games. Nineteen! That’s older than some TikTok influencers. History isn’t on their side, though Silva’s side might have fight in them.
Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup
Chelsea: You’ll get some youth and some experience. If Enzo Fernández can play wizardry in the middle, Reece James will bring dynamism out wide. Wherever he’s needed, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson could be up top.
Fulham: Serbian battering ram Aleksandar Mitrović will be the key man for Fulham. Chelsea’s midfield is not unwinnable, but João Palhinha will have his work cut out.
Key Battle: Mitrović vs. Chelsea’s Defense
Aleksandar Mitrović has the one man who could make it a Boxing Day feast to forget: Chelsea. Chelsea’s backline could be rattled by the striker’s physicality but the Blues must keep them quiet.
However, for Fulham, it means that Chelsea’s unpredictable attacking trio will have to be dealt with. Jackson’s positioning, Sterling’s pace, and James’ crosses can be chaotic.
Value Addition: My Take
I’m buzzing for this derby as I’m a football fanatic. Fulham has enough in them to make this an interesting match with Chelsea, maybe as the Goliath, but Fulham as the David. Still, I don’t see Chelsea losing this one. The Blues deserve to be top four contenders, and Boxing Day at Stamford Bridge seems just right as a stage for them to tell everyone. My prediction? The sprinkle of Boxing Day drama included a 3-1 win for Chelsea.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Fulham
Fulham have made progress under Silva, but Chelsea have regularly been their Achilles’ heel. Chelsea’s better squad has depth, plus the relentless support of their home crowd should see them through. We should expect a feast of goals—but none for Fulham.
The build-up to Boxing Day’s West London derby is set to be a Premier League classic. Chelsea hope to rebound from a repetition against Everton and redress the draw. But Fulham will have to bring their A-game and break their Stamford Bridge hoodoo, desperate.
We all just become fans, waiting to sit back, relax, and see the drama play out. Boxing Day football is the gift that keeps on giving unless you’re a Fulham fan, that is.
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