Chelsea – Fulham, getty images December 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m

[ * ] — position in the Premier League standings

[2] CHELSEA – FULGHAM [9] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 5:00 p.m. STAMFORD BRIDGE, LONDON. THE CHIEF ARBITRATOR IS SAMUEL BARROTT. LIVE ON SETANTA SPORTS

On the eve of the West London derby, Chelsea continues to maintain the status of one of the main contenders for the championship title. And no matter how the head coach of the “retired” Enzo Maresca renounces his championship ambitions in the current campaign, it is simply impossible to argue with Chelsea’s results and progress – the second line in the Premier League standings is a clear proof of this.

Yes, it can be mentioned that in the last round Enzo Maresca’s wards showed far from the most successful performance against Everton, but here too it should be understood that the “retirees” were opposed by an ultra-pragmatic team that did not allow opponents to create much in the attacking phase.

However, Chelsea’s opponents today are not the easiest team either. Although Fulham have won one of their last five matches, Marco Silva’s men have not suffered a single defeat either, although there were all the prerequisites for this against the background of a very difficult calendar.

For example, in recent times, Fulham won the match against Brighton and brought the matches against Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton to a draw. Of all the recent meetings, only a draw with the “saints” can be perceived as a failed result, although against the same Liverpool, the “cottages” could count on much more, taking into account the fact that Arne Slot’s team was forced to play in the minority for almost the entire match.

According to the bookmakersEnzo Maresca’s wards are the favorites for the upcoming confrontation. For example, Chelsea’s win is offered at odds of 1.51, while Fulham’s potential success is estimated at 6.10. The probability of a draw is represented by a coefficient of 4.75.

INDICATIVE COMPOSITIONS CHELSEA: Sanchez — Disasi, Adarabioyo, Colville, Gusteau — Caicedo, Enzo — Madueke, Palmer, Sancho — Jackson

FULHAM : Leno — Kastan, Andersen, Bessie, Robinson — Lukic, Berge — Adama Traore, King, Iwobi — Muniz

Will not play: Badyashil, James, V. Fofana, Mudryk — Reed, Nelson, Tete

In question: Lavia — Berge, Lukich, Smith-Row

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