Chelsea vs Fulham: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Chelsea vs Fulham Premier League Preview

Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend with the chance to briefly go top of the table when they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge. The lunchtime kick-off adds extra intrigue, particularly with both clubs eager to shape their early season narratives. For Enzo Maresca, this represents another opportunity to build momentum, while Fulham arrive still searching for their first league win of the campaign.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

Chelsea vs Fulham takes place on Saturday 30 August 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 12.30pm BST at Stamford Bridge. The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning from 11am. For those preferring online viewing, subscribers can stream the match via the Discovery+ app and website. Highlights will be available from 5.15pm on the Sky Sports app and YouTube, while Match of the Day will provide extended coverage on BBC One at 10.20pm.

Key Team News

Chelsea supporters will be concerned about Cole Palmer after the forward was forced off before kick-off last weekend, having been spotted holding his groin. His involvement remains in doubt as he awaits further assessment. Maresca will hope the injury proves minor, as Palmer has been a crucial creative influence in Chelsea’s attacking play.

For Fulham, there could be a first start of the season for Antonee Robinson. The United States international returned as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United but was rested in the Carabao Cup. Marco Silva is expected to restore several first-team regulars, including Bernd Leno, Joachim Andersen, Kenny Tete and Sander Berge, all of whom were left out of the midweek tie.

Tactical Outlook and Prediction

Chelsea impressed against West Ham in their previous league outing, showing fluency in attack and resilience at the back. However, Fulham are unlikely to allow the same spaces and will aim to frustrate the hosts with a compact defensive structure.

“Palmer was spotted holding his groin minutes before kick-off, and was quickly escorted to the dressing room with a member of Chelsea’s backroom staff and has been assessed this week to learn whether he faces a spell on the sidelines.”

That potential absence would certainly alter the dynamic, making Chelsea’s task of breaking down Fulham more difficult. Silva’s side can also cause problems on the counter, with Rodrigo Muniz providing a reminder last season of Fulham’s threat when he struck late to secure a rare victory at Stamford Bridge.

Expect this to be a tighter contest than Chelsea’s last outing. A narrow home win feels the likeliest outcome, with a 2-1 scoreline a reasonable prediction.

Head-to-Head History

Chelsea have historically dominated this fixture, with 53 wins compared to Fulham’s 13, alongside 27 draws. While Fulham’s triumph at Stamford Bridge last season ended a barren run stretching back to 1979, Chelsea responded by winning the reverse fixture. Rivalry in west London remains fierce, and another competitive encounter is anticipated this weekend.

Predicted score: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham