Prediction: Fulham vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back in our lives just days after the last set of fixtures, as fans of top flight teams get a taste of what it’s like to support a Football League side. With just 10 games remaining in the season, it’s fair to say that we’re getting down to the nitty gritty of things, and we’ve even got a couple derbies to look forward to in the next few days. One that seems to be flying under the radar a bit is Fulham vs Chelsea, as the two West London rivals prepare to square off in what should be an interesting contrast of styles.

Fulham

Fulham are coming off the back of their second managerial change of the season, which is a sentence that should always bring up a few red flags. Claudio Ranieri was unable to steady the ship at Craven Cottage, and now, the task has fallen at the feet of Scott Parker who will be in charge for this one as the caretaker boss. It’s no secret that Fulham spent big money in the summer and could suffer big time if they end up getting relegated, so we’re expecting quite a few ‘desperate’ performances between now and May.

Team News

Parker is expected to make notable changes in what will be his first game in charge.

Chelsea

It’s never easy to lose a cup final and come out the other side fighting, and it’s even harder when you have a situation like Chelsea’s regarding their goalkeeper fiasco at Wembley. Nonetheless, it seems as if they’re starting to put the whole thing behind them, which is all they really can do as the race for the top four heats up. The Blues also have the Europa League to worry about, but for now, it seems like Sarri is focused on getting their Champions League push back on track.

Team News

Despite his behaviour in the final, Kepa is being tipped for a return to the starting XI here.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
• Fulham have won one and lost five of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Fulham have scored six goals and conceded 14 in their last six games.
• Chelsea have kept three consecutive clean sheets within 90 minutes.

Conclusion

As much as the new manager effect seems to be a thing in English football, we don’t think it’ll be enough for Fulham to cause the upset here. Maurizio Sarri is best when he is backed against a wall, and that’s still the position they find themselves in. They were able to secure an impressive win over Tottenham in the wake of the loss against City, and we think they’re going to start building some momentum in the race for the top four. The Cottagers will keep it close early on, but the Blues will end up winning by a landslide.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365