Chelsea vs Fulham preview, team news and predicted lineup

Chelsea’s third consecutive all-capital encounter sees them face West London rivals Fulham in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff. Enzo Maresca’s side are riding high after a dominant 5-1 comeback victory over West Ham United in gameweek two, having initially fallen behind. Meanwhile, Fulham recorded their second straight 1-1 draw, this time at home against Manchester United.

On August 22, Chelsea’s fortunes looked bleak for about 20 minutes. Cole Palmer was sidelined by a pre-match injury, and Lucas Paqueta put West Ham ahead shortly after kickoff. However, the Blues responded emphatically at the London Stadium. Joao Pedro netted his first Premier League goal for Chelsea, sparking a turnaround that saw Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Trevoh Chalobah all score, leaving Graham Potter’s side reeling.

Fulham, who are also defending an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 season, felt they achieved a fair result in Sunday’s clash with Manchester United. The visitors controversially went ahead through a Rodrigo Muniz own goal, despite what appeared to be a clear two-handed push by Leny Yoro in the buildup.

Earlier, the Craven Cottage crowd was frustrated by a penalty awarded for Calvin Bassey’s foul on Mason Mount, but Bruno Fernandes failed to convert. Ultimately, substitute Emile Smith Rowe salvaged a point for Fulham, scoring with his very first touch.

After Palmer was forced to withdraw last Friday, Maresca revealed that the England international had been managing a groin issue for several days, which worsened during the warm-up at the London Stadium. Fans are still awaiting an official diagnosis, but it would be surprising if he is cleared to play on Saturday. As a result, Pedro is likely to partner with Liam Delap up front once again.

The hosts will also be without Levi Colwill (ACL), Benoit Badiashile (undisclosed injury), Romeo Lavia (undisclosed injury), and Omari Kellyman (thigh), while Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended due to alleged anti-doping violations.

In contrast, Fulham could approach the lunchtime derby with a nearly full squad. The only slight concern is Harry Wilson, who was substituted as a precaution during the midweek win over Bristol City. Veteran striker Raul Jimenez played a key role in the Cottagers’ EFL Cup victory, forcing an own goal from George Tanner and then scoring a superb low shot from a Harrison Reed corner. Nevertheless, the Mexico international is expected to make way for Rodrigo Muniz, who netted the late winner at Stamford Bridge in December.

Chelsea : Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro

Fulham: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Berge, Lukic; Sessegnon, King, Iwobi; Muniz

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