Game Week 18 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Fulham at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea faces Fulham in a London derby, with the Blues aiming to bounce back after a draw, while Fulham seeks a top-five finish in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer had a subdued game against Everton, is he going to fire Chelsea to greatness on Thursday? (Photo credit: Sporting News)

 Chelsea vs. Fulham

Stamford Bridge Stadium

4:00 pm

Chelsea dropped points for the first time in six competitive games at the weekend, and it wasn’t down to lack of effort; they gave everything, but a resolute Everton side won’t shift grounds.

It’s a reality check for Enzo Maresca; his side is doing great, scoring freely and picking three maximum points while telling every ear that cares to listen that they’re not in the title race—something only people in their circle believe anyway.

Fulham's season is progressing well, and a victory here could propel them to fifth place, a position that, given other results, borders the top four, a lofty goal for the Lilywhites. Their last result was a frustrating goalless draw at home to Southampton; it must feel like a loss considering where the Saints are.

Fulham has four draws in their last five, with the win over Brighton at Craven Cottage the only win in that sequence, but they must be frustrated with one point in at least two games that could have been three each, which could have gotten them only two points behind Forest in fourth.

For Chelsea, there’s no real reason to panic. They have been able to manage success by shrugging off every mention of a potential title push. They’re taking it one day at a time, and it is quite working; they must stay in that lane.

The two teams play a similar 4-2-3-1 formation, but the quality of the Chelsea team speaks so much volume that you’d be tempted to hand them this game even before kickoff. But football knows how to silence the greatest of punters.

Despite Fulham's skill at scoring goals, Chelsea's defensive challenges could pose a threat. In the end, it will be down to who wants it more, as it is a local derby where anything can happen.

Romeo Lavia is back in training, and this could upset the balance in the Chelsea midfield again; the youngster is typically preferred to Enzo Fernandes, but the Argentine has been a saviour of note recently. How will Maresca line up?

Sander Berge is a big doubt for this game, and so is Sasa Lukic; this leaves Fulham thin in the midfield with Emile Smith Rowe also unavailable. Andreas Pereira will have to sit with Tom Cairney. Will they be strong enough to hold off the Blues?

Verdict: Chelsea is to win.