Prediction and odds: Chelsea (4/7) vs Fulham (9/2)

We’re backing Chelsea/Chelsea (HT/FT) at 6/4

When: Friday, 3rd February 2023 – 8pm KO (GMT)

Where: Stamford Bridge

Chelsea and Fulham will meet in the West London derby once again this week as this dramatic Premier League season continues.

Chelsea

Chelsea fans may not have had a lot to shout out so far this season, but that could change. The reason, of course, is because they’ve been spending money like it’s going out of fashion. That’s not unusual for the Blues across the last twenty years but in equal measure, they went pretty hard in the paint in January – even by their standards. Now, the big test comes from what Graham Potter can do with his new look squad.

After drawing 1-1 with Nottingham Forest to start the new year, Chelsea fell to three defeats in the space of just one week. They were beaten by Manchester City in the Premier League, City again in the FA Cup, and then Fulham – ironically. They did bounce back with a 1-0 success against Crystal Palace but in their 0-0 draw with Liverpool on January 21st, they left a whole lot to be desired.

Fulham

Fulham supporters aren’t exactly immune to heartache but during this campaign, they’ve been given plenty of reasons to celebrate. The Cottagers look better than they have done in a long time, to the point whereby a top half finish doesn’t seem out of the question. Of course, it’s all about whether or not they can maintain such a run, given their tendency to slip back into a relegation battle every other year.

A three-game win streak fell on the lap of the boys from Craven Cottage as they defeated Leicester, Hull and Chelsea across the Premier League and FA Cup in just nine days. They proceeded to drop narrow losses to Newcastle and Tottenham, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland in the FA Cup fourth round – leaving some to wonder whether or not they’re beginning to lose their mojo.

Conclusion

Fulham are going to give as good as they get from Chelsea, as is the nature of their performances so far this season. Alas, with the home side in desperate need of a result, we don’t think they’re going to play around here. They’ll cut inside from positions down the flank, ultimately taking the lead before we reach the half time interval.

They’ll take that advantage into the second half and although we do think Fulham will be able to equalise, they won’t be on the same page for very long. A late goal, off the back of a strong Stamford Bridge atmosphere, will earn Potter’s men all three points and give them renewed hope in the Premier League.

Our tips (all taken from bet365): Chelsea/Chelsea (HT/FT) at 6/4 + over 2.5 goals at 10/11

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