The two local rivals meet with Chelsea shorn of their talisman early in the Premier League season
Palmer out for a few days, misses Fulham - Maresca’s Chelsea fitness update
Chelsea face a crucial early London derby as they bid to kick-start a Premier League title charge with near neighbours Fulham visiting Stamford Bridge.
An opening 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace represented a sluggish start to Chelsea’s season but Enzo Maresca’s side were back in much more fluent form against West Ham, romping to a 5-1 victory - even after Cole Palmer’s late withdrawal. The England international, omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s squad on Friday, has been ruled out of this clash, though Chelsea have plenty of depth in their forward line.
A frustrating summer for Fulham has seen manager Marco Silva increasingly displeased with the club’s failure to add significantly to their squad, with time running short to make the signings he still feels they need. Two draws, against Brighton and Manchester United, are a far from disastrous start, but Silva will be hopeful of an improved showing as he waits for possible reinforcements to arrive.
Follow all of the latest from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below:
Chelsea vs Fulham live
Chelsea host Fulham in the Premier League | Live on TNT Sports with kick off at 12.30pm BST
Hosts are without Cole Palmer due to injury as they bid to build on big West Ham win
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been frustrated with his side's lack of transfer activity
5 minutes ago
Good morning
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Chelsea v Fulham!
Today’s clash at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 12.30pm, and we’ll have all the build-up and action right here.
Flo Clifford30 August 2025 11:04