Maresca confirms midfielder is ‘not ready’: Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham | OneFootball

Chelsea will host Fulham at Stamford Bridge in what promises to be a mouth-watering Premier League clash on Boxing Day.

Both teams are aiming to shake off their recent frustrations following goalless draws.

Chelsea were held by Everton at Goodison Park, while Fulham missed the chance to secure three points against struggling Southampton.

The Toffees set up to frustrate Chelsea, using all the dark arts to stem the typically rampant Blues. They stifled Cole Palmer, but Maresca should have subbed him off for Joao Felix.

The Italian was criticised for his in-game management, but Chelsea cannot complain much about a manager that has them in second place at Christmas.

Chelsea are in fine form, boasting a 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their last defeat came against Newcastle United in the League Cup in late October.

Head to head

Chelsea are clear favourites for the Thursday showdown. Fulham have only won one game against Chelsea in their last 24 Premier League meetings.

The Blues have won five of their last six meetings at Stamford Bridge, with Fulham failing to score a single goal in any of those clashes.

The Cottagers have won just eight games against Chelsea since 1910 (D23, L47).

Marco Silva hasn’t fared much better in his managerial career against Chelsea, winning twice in 10 attempts (D2, L6).

Team news

Chelsea have been dominant in this fixture over the past few years. However, injuries have dealt Chelsea a challenging hand.

Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk and Romeo Lavia remain unavailable.

Maresca has confirmed Lavia is progressing well, but is not ready to return just yet.

“Much, much, much better – already on the pitch working but not ready for this game,” the Chelsea boss said.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham

Robert Sanchez is expected to continue in goal, with Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella forming the backline.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will anchor the midfiled, while Noni Madueke, Palmer and Jadon Sancho add creative flair behind striker Nicolas Jackson.

Noni Madueke should continue as a substitute after an egregious cameo from the bench against Everton.

(4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.