Fulham vs Chelsea Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Premier League 2026-27

Neither of the last five matches between these sides ended in a draw!

Fulham FC are gearing up for their opening game of the English Premier League 2026-27 campaign. They will be taking on Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage in what is going to be an interesting clash.

The Cottagers are coming with a new manager. Alvaro Arbeloa has produced some decent outcomes during the recent club friendlies. They will now be looking for a positive start in the English top division.

Fulham FC finished 11th in the EPL last season. They will be eager for a better finish this time around. They have signed some new stars to strengthen the squad. It will now be interesting to see their performances.

The Blues have also appointed a new head coach. Xabi Alonso has taken over. With the current squad, he has come up with mixed results during their recent pre-season run.

Having finished 10th in the Premier League 2025-26 season, they are not eligible to compete in any European competition this campaign. Chelsea FC will also be looking for a better finish this time around. With a massive squad depth, they might also push for a domestic treble.

Kick-off:

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Craven Cottage
• Date: Tuesday, August 25
• Kick-off time: 12:30 AM IST (Monday, August 24; 07:00 PM GMT/ 02:30 PM ET/ 11:30 AM PT)
• Referee: John Brooks
• VAR: In Use

Players to Watch

Gonzalo García (Fulham)

One of the latest joinees, Gonzalo García is all set to make his English Premier League debut. Before joining Fulham, the Spanish forward played for Real Madrid. Even with limited time on the field, García came up with eye-catching performances.

The 22-year-old is all set to lead the attacking front.

João Pedro (Chelsea)

Joao Pedro has continued his scoring run for Chelsea during the recent pre-season run. He scored a brace against Real Sociedad. He will be looking to engrave his name on the scoresheet in the opening Premier League 2026-27 fixture.

Match Facts

• Fulham haven’t suffered a defeat in their last five matches.
• Chelsea have only secured one clean sheet in their last five attempts.
• Neither of the last five matches between these sides ended in a draw.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Chelsea to win @10/11 Ladbrokes
• Joao Pedro to score @11/8 bet365
• Goals under 3.5 @11/21 Unibet

Injury and Team News

For Fulham, Tom Cairney will miss out due to his knee injury. Joachim Andersen also misses out as he is suspended.

Jordan Henderson, Aaron Anselmino and Emmanuel Emegha are not going to be in action for Chelsea. They are injured. Wesley Fofana is suspended as he was shown a red card during the final game of last season.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 95

Fulham (wins): 14

Chelsea (wins): 54

Draws: 27

Predicted Lineups

Fulham predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Leno (GK); Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, King, Kevin; Garcia

Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-3)

Sanchez (GK); James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Lavia, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Pedro, Rogers

Match Prediction

At home, the Cottagers will be feeling confident and have a chance for a win. The Blues have better quality players in the squad, and this will give them a slight edge.

Chelsea are likely to come out on top. They should secure a win in their opening Premier League 2026-27 clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports, Universo

Nigeria: SuperSport, Canal+

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.