Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 10/01/2023, 14:22  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 10/01/2023 at 15:22 in Premier League Predictions

When Fulham returned to the Premier League this season, they probably didn't expect to be ahead of Chelsea in January. They start this match in seventh place, while their neighbours Chelsea are only in tenth position. Fulham have 28 points from their first 18 games and that's more than they earned when being relegated in the 2020/21 season. They can climb up to sixth if winning this game though some of the teams around them in the table will have a couple of games in hand. Fulham have been in great form since the Premier League season resumed. They've won all three league games and at the weekend won 2-0 at Hull City in the FA Cup. The Cottagers have won eight league games this season, one more than their opponents who trail them by three points. Home form has seen them win four out of nine but with only one win in the last three played. Their last home league game saw them get a late winner to defeat Southampton 2-1.

Chelsea are probably just glad they're not playing Manchester City again. This year has already seen the Blues lose at home to City in the Premier League and then lose 4-0 at the Etihad in the FA Cup third round. Chelsea begin this game ten points behind Manchester United who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. It may be Chelsea have to win this season's Champions League to be in the 2023/24 tournament. They have only won one of their last seven competitive fixtures (a 2-0 home win over out-of-form Bournemouth) with five losses. Their last away league game saw them only draw 1-1 at Nottingham Forest who are in the relegation squad. They have injuries but many are wondering if their new coach might be out of his depth. He certainly can't keep losing games if wanting to keep his job at Stamford Bridge. Four of their last five away league and cup games have been lost and this short trip to Fulham isn't going to be easy for them.