Chelsea and Fulham meet in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime in what already feels like a telling game for both clubs. Enzo Maresca’s side arrive unbeaten from their first three fixtures, while Marco Silva’s men are searching for their first win after consecutive draws.
Chelsea’s start has been strong, not just in terms of results but also underlying numbers. They have taken seven points from three games, scoring 10 goals and conceding only two.
Their xPTS tally of 4.79 is the highest in the division, ahead of Manchester City (4.13) and Arsenal (4.05), underlining how well they have controlled matches. With an xG ratio above 72 percent, they are creating far more than their opponents, and their ability to share goals is notable.
Even with Cole Palmer side lined by a groin issue, five different players scored in the 5-1 win at West Ham, with Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo all finding the net. Depth has been added with Estevao impressing on his first start, while further reinforcements could still arrive before the deadline.
For Fulham, the picture is different. They have drawn both games so far, 1-1 at Brighton and 1-1 against Manchester United, and their xPTS total of 2.70 places them mid-table, behind the likes of Leeds (2.83) and Sunderland (2.93). Their attacking numbers remain modest, with only three big chances created across two fixtures and an xG ratio of just above 50 percent.
They are yet to keep a clean sheet, although Bernd Leno has been a steady presence in goal. Off the pitch, Silva is still waiting to see if key men will be sold, with Rodrigo Muniz attracting bids and Andreas Pereira omitted against United. He is also pushing for at least three new signings before the window shuts.
All of this sets up a derby between a Chelsea side that looks balanced and dangerous, and a Fulham team trying to stabilise during a period of uncertainty.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Pedro, Neto, Delap.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Lukic, Sessegnon, Iwobi, King, Muniz.
