Chelsea will take on Fulham on the 7th of January at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea will travel across west London looking to claim their first win of 2026 against local rivals Fulham. The Blues are desperate for three points after managing just one victory in their last eight Premier League matches.
Following their 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday, where Enzo Fernandez rescued a point with a stoppage-time equaliser, Chelsea sit fifth in the table with 31 points from 20 games. A win will see them leap-frog Liverpool, at least momentarily, who are currently at 34 points.
Their opponents, Fulham, will be coming into the fixture full of confidence. The Cottagers are unbeaten in five Premier League games with three wins and two draws. They secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday after Harrison Reed’s stunning 97th-minute thunderbolt cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s late goal. The west Londoners sit 11th but are only three points off fifth-placed Chelsea.
That said, here is how Chelsea could lineup against Fulham.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs. Fulham
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Robert Sanchez missed the Man City draw with a minor muscle issue and faces a late fitness test to determine his availability. If the Spaniard is not risked, Filip Jorgensen will continue in goal. The Spaniard trained on Tuesday and could return if declared fit.
Defence: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto
The back four has been reshuffled in recent weeks due to injuries. Marc Cucurella has been absent since the Aston Villa match with a hamstring problem but trained on Tuesday. However, Malo Gusto will likely continue at left-back with Cucurella not risked from the start. Wesley Fofana remains a doubt after missing the City game due to illness. The Frenchman woke up with a high temperature ahead of Sunday’s match and could not play. If he recovers, Fofana could replace Badiashile. Meanwhile, James will anchor the right flank with Chalobah partnering Badiashile in the centre.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez
Moises Caicedo returns from his one-game suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. His presence will be a major boost to Chelsea’s midfield. The Ecuadorian will partner Enzo Fernandez, who scored a crucial equaliser against City. The pair provide the perfect blend of defensive stability and ball progression. Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a thigh issue.
Attack: Estevao Willian, Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro
Cole Palmer will reprise his role as the attacking midfielder behind the front three. The England international has been central to everything Chelsea have done well this season. Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho should occupy the wide positions after their bright performances in recent matches. The Brazilian wonderkid has been electric, while Neto might be dropped after a horror show against City. Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line.