Team Analysis
Chelsea
Before the start of this round, Chelsea FC fall 4 points behind the top team Liverpool in the standings having played one more game. They can shorten the gap if they win this home game, fully motivated.
Chelsea FC's major left-back Marc Cucurella was suspended in the last league game, and will return this time. His return will greatly enhance the Blues' activeness on the left side.
Chelsea FC grabbed 5 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 home games, scoring 10 goals in the last 3 home games, with outstanding performances.
Chelsea FC will face the newly-promoted Ipswich Town F.C. in the next league game, which would not be difficult, so they can try to grab points this time.
Chelsea FC scored and conceded goals in 5 of the last 6 games. They tend to score and concede goals recently.
Chelsea FC have recently added center back Benoit Badiashile as an injured player. Together with the long-term injuries Wesley Fofana and captain Reece James, the Blues are shorthanded at the back end.
Chelsea FC winger Mykhaylo Mudryk missed a number of games due to illness before. It was recently revealed in the media that Mudryk had tested positive in a doping test, and if this is confirmed, the Ukrainian international could face a lengthy ban.
Chelsea FC's defending midfielder Romeo Lavia has got injured recently. The team may not play him in a risk.
Chelsea FC were held to a goalless draw by Everton in the last league game, ending their 8-game winning streak among all events, which gives a blow to their morale.
Chelsea FC's major scorers Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are in mediocre form recently with a weakened efficiency, which was one of the key reasons to their draw in the last league game.
Fulham
After losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. at the end of November, Fulham kept unbeaten in the last 5 league games with 1 win and 4 draws. The team are confident, and hope to grab points in this away game.
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson gave 2 assists in the previous encounter against Liverpool. His ability to assist is threatening to the opponents.
Fulham forward Raul Jimenez has not been very efficient in scoring goals, but he had scored the first in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal and has still been very good against strong teams.
Fulham held Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to draws in the last two away games with tough performances. The team's forward counter-attacking performance is also quite threatening.
Fulham forward Reiss Nelson, midfielders Harrison Reed, Emile Smith Rowe and defender Kenny Tete are all out of this game with injuries. They are struggling with injuries in three lines.
Fulham were held to a goalless draw by the relegation team Southampton in the last league game. Although the team were superior in terms of possession and shots, they were not able to take all 3 points at home.
Fulham kept only 1 clean sheet in the last 6 games. They still need to improve the defensive end.
Fulham just got 1 win, 6 draws and 10 losses in 17 league encounters against Chelsea since 2010. They were defeated in the last two encounters, having no mental advantage.
AH market provided home team a -1/1.5 line for this game. Fulham are not backed due to the inferior H2H records.
Tips
This round of the Premier League will see the London derby again.
Chelsea FC's red-hot form of successive wins was ended by Everton in the last game.
Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were powerless, while Marc Cucurella was suspended, which made the team slipping in offensive efficiency.
However, Marc Cucurella's return in this game should be able to play more efficiently with Enzo Fernandez and Jadon Sancho.
In the previous games against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham have been tough with simple and effective counter-attack, especially Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez, playing very well individually in the front line, and they are likely to do it again.
In conclusion, it's not quite likely for the Blues to score a comfortable win.
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