Chelsea host local rivals Fulham in the West London Derby in the Premier League.
The Blues picked up their first win of the season against West Ham United last weekend, smashing them 5-1. That has pushed them back up to fourth in the table.
The first two London derbies of the season have earned Chelsea four points, and the aim will be to take that tally up to seven against Fulham on Saturday.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Fulham
Chelsea have had a good week’s break following their win over West Ham, so we expect Enzo Maresca to name a very strong lineup.
Robert Sanchez conceded a screamer to Lucas Paqueta last week, but he is expected to keep his place in the side against Fulham.
Reece James should come back in after getting a bit of a break at the London Stadium, but the rest of the backline – Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella – will likely remain the same.
In midfield, both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are guaranteed starters, but Maresca confirmed in his press conference that Cole Palmer will miss the game.
We expect Joao Pedro to start in his place, just behind Liam Delap, who led the line against West Ham. Out wide, we expect Pedro Neto to start, but this time on the right wing.
Estevao Willian, who Maresca blamed for West Ham’s goal, recovered well after his mistake, but we think he will lose his place in the side.
The £29 million (BBC) Brazilian should make way for Jamie Gittens.
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-CRYSTAL PALACE
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca says Chelsea need to be ‘careful’ against Fulham
Historically, Chelsea have an outstanding record against Fulham.
That is why the Blues will go into the game as the favourites, and Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have both predicted that Chelsea will win as well.
However, Maresca has warned his side that they need to be careful.
He said about Fulham, as per Football London: “They are solid, they are well organised, they play nice football. They are very strong.
“And it’s not random that they are doing well. Last year was a record of points in the Premier League, I think, for Fulham. They show how Marco [Silva] is good. The players, they are good.
“So it’s a game that, like always, we need to be careful.”