Fulham host Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Thursday evening (20:00) in a fascinating West London derby, as the Premier League action continues. We’ve previewed the game and picked out our two best bets.
Fulham vs Chelsea Tips
I don’t think anybody would have expected Fulham (23/10) to be three points and three places better off than their London neighbours at this stage of the season, but credit has to go to Marco Silva’s men, who are enjoying a stellar campaign up until this point.
Since returning from the World Cup break, the Cottagers have beaten Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester City, while Hull City were no match for a rotated side in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Despite suffering just two home defeats all season long so far, Fulham have struggled for consistency at Craven Cottage – winning just two of their last six in front of their own fans.
Meanwhile, the visitors (23/20) are looking to respond after exiting the FA Cup with a 4-0 defeat from Manchester City.
Chelsea currently lie 10th in the table, and Graham Potter will know how important a victory could be here, as the Blues attempt to salvage their European status.
Potter’s side make the short journey to Craven Cottage with only one win from their last eight in the Premier League, and not since beating Aston Villa on October 16 have they claimed all three points on the road.
Team News
Fulham will be without their star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, after the Serbian picked up his fifth booking of the season in the victory over Leicester, therefore he will be suspended for this game.
As for Chelsea, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic are both expected to miss this game alongside longer term absentees Edouard Mendy, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante, Armando Broja and Ben Chilwell.
Both Teams to Score – No @ 6/5
With Mitrovic’s suspension, I was sceptical about backing Fulham for the win, and Chelsea’s dreadful form put me off them, too.
I always think that derby games can be cagey affairs and that’s what I’m expecting on Thursday when these sides meet.
Mitrovic is a huge miss for Fulham, and I don’t see where the goals are going to come from for Chelsea at the moment.
I would be very surprised if we saw a lot of goals in this one.
Half-Time Result – Draw @ 6/5
Again, because I can see this game being cagey and closely-fought, I think backing the half-time draw is a decent shout.
It certainly stands a chance, in my opinion, with the injury list Chelsea have and Mitrovic’s suspension for the Cottagers.
I could also see Chelsea playing for the draw here due to their form at the moment. If they went all out, they could be picked apart on the break, so I think Potter may try and steady the ship here and ensure that his side don’t get beat.
