Fulham vs Chelsea: Predictions, possible lineups, team news & kick-off time

Marco Silva will take on Mauricio Pochettino on Monday in Fulham vs Chelsea. The two West London clubs will continue their Premier League fixtures for the 2023-2024 season.

Both the Blues and the Cottagers have been struggling in the league this campaign. As a result, they are expected to go hard on each other at Craven Cottage on Monday.

Actually, Chelsea would be looking forward to continuing their winning ways. They narrowly won 1-0 over Brighton Albion in the Carabao Cup fixture.

Mauricio Pochettino’s troops have only won one game this campaign. Which was against the newly promoted team, Luton Town, as regards their all-around stats.

However, the Blues showed a different level of winning spirit against Brighton Albion. Therefore, they would want to win over the Cottagers on Monday.

Fulham vs Chelsea is a derby match. As a result, the two West London clubs usually face each other with a high level of winning spirit, regardless of the competition.

They defeated the Blues in January of the 2022-2023 season. Therefore, Mauricio Pochettino’s side would want to avoid back-to-back defeats against the Cottagers.

Marco Silvia’s men are balanced defensively and offensively. Nevertheless, the Blues would do everything to claim the 3 points, so as to continue their winning streak.

On the other hand, Fulham would be looking forward to securing their first back-to-back win over the Blues. Of course, they won over Chelsea in January.

Having won 2-1 over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup fixture. The Cottagers would also like to continue their winning streak in all competitions this season.

Marco Silvia’s men lost 5-1 to Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. Obviously, the Citizens and the Blues have enough reinforcements in the squad this campaign.

Therefore, the Cottagers would want another massive defeat in the Premier League. Which means they would play to win and secure a clean sheet on Monday.

Chelsea have lost to the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest this season. The Cottagers would want to win as their home soil as well.

Frankly, Marco Silva loves tactical battles. As a result, he will show his tactical masterclass against Mauricio Pochettino’s troops on Monday.

Fulham vs. Chelsea team news

Marco Silva doesn’t have many injuries in the squad. Regardless, he will definitely be without some first-team players against the Blues on Monday.

After missing the Crystal Palace and Fulham matches. Kenny Tete is most likely to make it to the squad at Craven Cottage; there’s a probability that he’s available.

Unfortunately for the Cottagers, Adama Traoré is still on the sidelines. The Spaniard is out of the squad as a result of a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old German goalie, Steven Benda, won’t be part of the squad. He’s still battling with a knee injury, having missed many games for the club.

Tosin Adarabioyo is injured as well. The 26-year-old English centre-back won’t be available for Marco Silva to face the West London club on Monday.

Unlike Mauricio Pochettino’s side, the Cottagers have many options in the squad. Which explains why Marco Silva won’t take it lightly against the Blues.

Speaking of Chelsea team news, unfortunately, Carney Chukwuemeka is now back in group training. And he’s most likely to be part of the squad on Monday.

Also, Reece James is close to returning to group training. The right-back is still unavailable to face Fulham. But he will be available after the upcoming international break.

Having had a minor setback in his hamstring injury. Benoit Badiashile is back to individual training, which means the Frenchman won’t be able to face the Cottagers.

After sustaining a hamstring injury against Brighton Albion in the Carabao Cup. Ben Chilwell will be unavailable to play on Monday; he’s currently injured.

Trevoh Chalobah, Christopher Nkunku, and Roméo Lavia continue their rehabilitation programs. They are still unavailable at the moment and won’t play the EPL game.

Also, Wesley Fofana continues his rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, the Frenchman isn’t close to returning to first-team training at the moment.

Fulham possible lineup (4-3-3)

Leno; Robinson, Ream, Diop, Castagne; Pereira, Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Jimenez, Wilson.

Chelsea possible lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sánchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Mudryk; Sterling.