Fulham vs Chelsea Premier League Tips & Prediction - Chelsea to open season with an away win
Chelsea are poised to kick off the new Premier League season with a hard-fought victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Backed by new signings and a fresh managerial approach under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea look strong favorites, especially as Fulham face a period of transition after losing key scorers and bringing in an inexperienced new coach. The likely outcome is a low-scoring match, with Joao Pedro expected to shine. Fulham’s inconsistent form and lack of attacking firepower could see their struggles continue.
- Fulham vs Chelsea predictions for Monday's Premier League game
- Fulham tipped to struggle this season after losing key figures
- Chelsea backed for a low-scoring win, with Joao Pedro scoring
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 5.00am AEST on Tuesday August 25
Fulham v Chelsea Premier League Tips & Prediction
Chelsea are tipped to launch the new Premier League season with a win on the road over Fulham on Monday night at Craven Cottage, with Under 2.5 goals and Joao Pedro finding the back of the net also in play.
This looks like a good opportunity for Chelsea to get their season off to a winning start, with Xabi Alonso back in the Premier League and keen to work the same sort of magic that took Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title a couple of seasons ago.
Fulham enter this campaign with a lot of question marks - an inexperienced new manager in Alvaro Arbeloa replaces Marco Silva, while Harry Wilson (10) and Raul Jimenez (9) - who were the team's top scorers last season have both departed.
So goals could be hard to come by early on for Fulham, who are widely tipped to be languishing in the wrong half of the ladder this season.
It was a bit of a write off for Chelsea last term, but they've recruited strongly and have two players - Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer - who are eager to get back into things after respective World Cup snubs.
Pedro was banging in the goals during preseason and was a shining light in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the Blues last term. The Brazilian is backed to get amongst the goals as Chelsea come away with a low-scoring victory.
Fulham vs Chelsea Stats & Trends
- Chelsea have won six of their last eight games vs Fulham at Craven Cottage
- Fulham have seen Under 2.5 goals in nine of their last 11 games
- Fulham have lost their three previous London derby season openers
- Xabi Alonso's last two season openers were wins to nil
- Only won of the last 15 meetings between the teams ended in a draw
- Four of Chelsea's last five wins over Fulham saw them score exactly two goals
- Joao Pedro scored 15 goals for Chelsea last season & scored seven during preseason
Fulham vs Chelsea Head To Head
As mentioned, Chelsea have won six of their last eight visits to Craven Cottage, but it was Fulham that came away with a 2-1 victory in the most-recent clash in January.
Fulham Form Analysis
Fulham finished last season in 11th spot on the ladder, with the equal-fewest draws. Their 15 wins was equal to that of sixth-placed Bournemouth, but they also lost 16 games, which was one less than 17th-placed Spurs.
The Cottagers only won two of their last 11 games of the season, ultimately sliding down into the bottom half of the ladder.
It was a mixed preseason for Fulham - they won two of six games, keeping only one clean sheet - but that was the most-recent 1-0 victory over Stuttgart.
Fulham Team News
Arbeloa used his Real Madrid connections to sign both Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios over the summer and both could feature in a new-look Fulham attack.
Tom Cairney (knee) is the only injury out, while Joachim Andersen is still suspended from last season.
Possible Fulham Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi; Oscar Bobb, Josh King, Cesar Palacios, Gonzalo García
Chelsea Form Analysis
It was a dismal end to the season for Chelsea as they lost eight of their last 11 games to finish in 10th position on the ladder.
With a proven manager and some impressive summer signings, Chelsea certainly have the potential to get back inside the top four and perhaps challenge Arsenal for the title.
However, the positive of such a poor season is that Chelsea now have no European football to juggle for this campaign.
With a proven manager and some impressive summer signings, Chelsea certainly have the potential to get back inside the top four and perhaps challenge Arsenal for the title.
There were some mixed preseason results across the globe, but the Blues did win two of their last three friendlies, scoring three goals each against AC Milan and Real Sociedad.
Chelsea Team News
Morgan Rogers has arrived for a British record transfer fee, while Maxence Lacroix has also completed a move from Crystal Palace, with both expected to start this one.
Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move away, but remains at the club and should start in midfield.
Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer should be the main focal points in attack.
Wesley Fofana is suspended, while veteran recruit Jordan Henderson is still out with a wrist injury.
Possible Chelsea Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers; Joao Pedro
Verdict
Chelsea are backed for a low-scoring win on the road, with Pedro finding the back of the net.
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