Chelsea and Fulham lock horns in a West London derby at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The home side had their impressive winning streak ended by a stubborn Everton on Sunday, while Fulham were also held to a 0-0 draw by relegation candidates Southampton.
Match preview
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After winning five Premier League games in a row, the longest streak any club in the division has enjoyed this season, Chelsea saw that run abruptly halted on Sunday, being held to a goalless draw by a resolute Everton.
It was the first time Enzo Maresca's men had failed to win a game since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal before the November international break, and the first time they had failed to score in a league game since the opening day.
Despite being held and falling four points behind Liverpool at the Premier League summit again though, Chelsea are still unbeaten in 12 matches, with some favourable fixtures ahead.
On paper, a run of five games against Fulham, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolves should offer Chelsea the chance to go stride for stride with Liverpool into the new year, but any slip ups could be very costly there.
While many have marveled at Chelsea's recent form though, their tally of 35 points is actually the lowest of any second-placed team at Christmas since 2010, showing just how congested and competitive the Premier League has been so far.
There will be no concerns around the fact Chelsea have lost two of their last three Boxing Day fixtures, because their record against Fulham is remarkable, remaining unbeaten in 19 games against the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge, a run which dates back to 1979.
A good omen is that despite only winning two of the previous 11 matches they have played against London clubs on Boxing Day, both of those wins came during title-winning seasons, in 2005-06 and 2014-15.
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Fulham could have come into this clash with their eyes firmly set on the top four, but they were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom-of-the-table Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Harry Wilson and Adama Traore came closest for Marco Silva's side in a low-key, underwhelming afternoon, but they remain just two points off the European places, thanks to draws with Arsenal and Liverpool prior to that stalemate.
Draws are becoming too common though, with Silva's men having won just one of their last six games now, and Chelsea are not the ideal opponents for them to try to fix that record.
In 34 Premier League meetings, Fulham have won just twice, a win rate of only 6%, which is the lowest of any team against another opponent in Premier League history between those who have met at least 20 times.
Manager Silva also has an underwhelming record over the Blues from his time with Fulham, and also Watford and Everton, winning just two of his previous 10 encounters against their upcoming opponents.
Team News
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After some defensive shifting which saw Axel Disasi come in at right-back and Malo Gusto move to the left at Everton, Marc Cucurella is back from suspension and that should lead to a more orthodox back four for Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia could be fit to return after Maresca revealed the Everton game would be just too soon for the Belgian midfielder, but Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain out with hamstring injuries.
Benoit Badiashile also remains out, but his replacement Tosin Adarabioyo has stepped up to the plate commendably, and saved a certain goal with a flying block on Everton's Iliman Ndiaye on Sunday.
Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe is a major doubt for this one after missing the draw with Southampton due to a leg injury, while Silva might also be without his first-choice midfield, as Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge are both doubtful.
Andreas Pereira will at least return from suspension here, and could replace teenager Josh King, who made his full Premier League debut on Sunday, and put forward a good account of himself.
Kenny Tete and Reiss Nelson both recently sustained injuries that will sideline them until February at least, and there is a decision to be made up front between either Raul Jimenez or Rodrigo Muniz, who came into the side against the Saints.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Pereira, Iwobi; Wilson, Jimenez, Adama
We say: Chelsea 3-1 Fulham
After being frustrated by an impenetrable Everton, Chelsea will fancy their chances of returning to winning ways against a more open Fulham side, even if they may have more to worry about defensively.
Fulham have proven themselves to be a competitive outfit since returning to the top flight under Silva, but their record against Chelsea remains woeful, and their winless streak could extend to 20 here at the Bridge.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Andrew Delaney
