Chelsea vs Fulham Premier League Preview: SkyBet Price Boost, team news and prediction
Chelsea host Fulham in Saturday's early kick off as the Blues look to do the double over their west London rivals.
Ahead of the clash, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the west London derby, team news, probable XIs and a tasty SkyBet Price Boost.
When is kick off?
Saturday 13th January, 12:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Stamford Bridge, London
What TV channel is it on?
TNT Sports 1
Form Guide
Chelsea are struggling to put together a consistent run of form in the Premier League but have won three of their last four. Conversely, they have also lost three of their last six in England's top tier, though they are unbeaten in four at Stamford Bridge. The Blues fell to a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night so are looking to bounce back quickly.
Fulham, too, are looking for an immediate response to their 2-1 midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool and they did end a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over Arsenal in their last league outing. Marco Silva's side do boast one of the worst away records in the division, which doesn't bode well as they seek to secure a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
Team News
Chelsea still boast a lengthy injury list ahead of Saturday's welcome of Fulham, with no fewer than seven players absent. Nicolas Jackson is with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations and the hope is that Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Benoit Badiashile can return to the first team squad for the weekend.
Fulham have been hit worse by AFCON with Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Fode Ballo-Toure all unavailable to head coach Marco Silva. Adama Traore will return to action later this month, while Tim Ream and Harrison Reed both face late fitness tests.
Probable XIs
Chelsea (4231) - Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Broja
Fulham (4231) - Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
SkyBet have three price boosts for Chelsea's welcome of Fulham and the one we like the look of is Conor Gallagher to commit four or more fouls. The 23-year-old has committed at least 13 more fouls (47) than any other player in the Premier League this season, and has been penalised by the referee 11 times across his last three top-flight outings.
In a west London derby, the occasion could get to Gallagher, who was 3/1 to commit four or more fouls on Saturday. This has since been boosted to 4/1.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Fulham
