CHELSEA and Fulham will hope to return to winning ways when they clash in their west London derby at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
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Chelsea vs Fulham preview
Both Chelsea and Fulham entered their previous matches as odds-on favourites to collect maximum points against sides towards the bottom of the division in Everton and Southampton.
However, both walked away with a point after playing out frustrating goalless draws.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, though, seemed happy enough with draw against an Everton side with more clean sheets than anyone in Europe's top five divisions since the beginning of October.
And the draw extended their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions, including nine victories, 36 goals and four clean sheets.
The Blues remain second in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more than their Merseyside rivals.
But they'll need to return to winning ways with Arsenal breathing down their necks, and a home clash against west London rivals Fulham could be ideal for Maresca's men.
They've won five of their last six meetings at Stamford Bridge with Fulham failing to score a single goal in any of those clashes. In fact, the Cottagers have won just eight games against Chelsea since 1910 (D23, L47).
Marco Silva hasn't fared too much better in his managerial career against Chelsea, winning twice in 10 attempts (D2, L6).
But there are a few reasons to be cheerful for ninth-placed Fulham, who have only lost one of their last games in all competitions.
Only Manchester City and Manchester United have beaten them on their travels this season, while they've claimed very credible points against Arsenal and Liverpool on the road.
Chelsea vs Fulham preview betting odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Chelsea vs Fulham preview betting tips and predictions
Goal drought?
It feels slightly wrong given the attacking prowess of both sides this season, but this is simply not a game that yields goals.
In the last seven clashes between Chelsea and Fulham, there's been a total of 11 goals scored with only one game seeing over 2.5 goals scored. As mentioned, the visitors have a terrible record at Stamford Bridge - netting once in their last TEN visits!
Under 2.5 Goals at 9/5 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Chelsea vs Fulham
First goalscorer: Cole Palmer at 19/5 with talkSPORT BET - CLAIM HERE
Correct score: 2-0 at 8/1 with Betfred - CLAIM HERE
Anytime
Noni Madueke is likely to get a role in the starting XI having been benched for Sunday's 0-0 draw at Everton.
The 22-year-old has six goals in 20 appearances this season and only Cole Palmer can better his tally of 49 attempts on goal. Madueke also has 21 shots on target, and shot every 21.3 minutes - better than any of his Chelsea teammates.
Noni Madueke to score anytime at 6/4 with William Hill - CLAIM HERE
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