Chelsea’s final match before the international break of the season is a tasty London derby against Fulham.
The Blues host rivals Fulham on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge in their third game of the new Premier League season.
Enzo Maresca’s side have picked up four points from their opening two games, beating West Ham but drawing against Crystal Palace, and now attention turns towards their West London neighbours.
Even though Chelsea’s injury absentees against Fulham include Cole Palmer, they should still be able to field a very strong XI. In fairness, they thrashed West Ham 5-1 last week without their talisman.
Fulham's Alex Iwobi surrounded by Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Trevoh Chalobah in a Premier League fixture.
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Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell predict Chelsea vs Fulham
Ahead of Chelsea against Fulham this weekend, former Premier League stars Steve Sidwell and Peter Crouch have disagreed when predicting the result.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch podcast, Sidwell said: “I just think Chelsea are going to be too strong for this. I’m going to go for a Chelsea 3-0 win.”
Afterwards, Crouch added: “I’m going to go for another draw here, 1-1. Obviously Chelsea will be favourites, I accept that. I think Fulham will be alright.”
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It was a win apiece between rivals Chelsea and Fulham last season in the Premier League, with the away side coming out on top both times.
Will history repeat itself this Saturday?
Pedro Neto scored a stoppage time winner when the Blues won at Craven Cottage back in April, and he’s one of the main goal threats in the absence of Palmer. Incidentally, Jamie Redknapp claims Neto is coming good at Chelsea after he netted his first goal of the new season against West Ham.
Meanwhile, Liam Delap scored two in two against Fulham last term as an Ipswich Town player.
Enzo Maresca and Marco Silva shake hands after Chelsea against Fulham in the Premier League.
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Ally McCoist makes prediction for Chelsea vs Fulham
Ally McCoist is another retired footballer and pundit who’s made an interesting prediction for the West London derby.
Speaking via TNT Sports, McCoist said: “I don’t think there’s an awful lot between the sides to be honest. I was impressed with Fulham for periods of the game against Manchester United. They were a bit unlucky not to win that game and I think they’ll take the game to Chelsea.
“But I do think Chelsea’s home form will dictate how they do this season because I expect them to be strong at home. I know they drew against Crystal Palace on the opening day but I think this will be a tight game and I expect Chelsea just to nick it due to the flair players in their side.”
“Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.”
If Chelsea can make it two wins and a draw from their opening three league games, it would definitely mark a positive start to Maresca’s second season in the dugout.