Fulham and nearby rivals Chelsea are set to clash in a highly anticipated West London derby this Sunday (April 20th) at Craven Cottage in the **Premier League**, where both teams are vying for crucial points.
**Fulham** aim to bounce back from a disappointing **1-0 defeat to Bournemouth**, where Antoine Semenyo scored within the first minute, leaving the Cottagers to regroup after a lackluster performance. On the other hand, **Chelsea** is reeling from their own shock, having suffered a **2-1 home defeat against Legia Warsaw** in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals. Despite falling behind early and a valiant equalizer from Marc Cucurella, Steve Kapuadi netted the decisive goal for Legia, leaving Chelsea relieved to have progressed on aggregate but frustrated with their recent form.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal match, Chelsea finds itself in sixth place with **54 points from 32 matches**, while Fulham sits ninth with **48 points**. Both squads are eager to capitalize on their local rivalry to regain momentum in the league.
Fulham vs Chelsea: Head-to-Head History & Key Stats
- The upcoming match will mark the **93rd showdown** between these two clubs, with Chelsea leading the series **52 victories to Fulham’s 13**.
- In their last encounter back in December 2024, Fulham pulled off a remarkable **2-1 comeback** victory on Chelsea’s turf.
- Fulham is aiming for a historic league double over Chelsea, a feat they have never achieved before.
- Remarkably, **72% of Fulham’s EPL matches** this season have seen both teams finding the net, the highest ratio in the league.
Fulham vs Chelsea: Match Prediction
Once harboring dreams of a **UEFA Champions League** spot, Fulham’s hopes have dimmed due to a recent string of poor performances. Currently, they sit just six points adrift from seventh place, leaving them with a vital chance to remain competitive for continental qualification. Marco Silva’s team will surely be fired up to deliver a strong home performance and make a statement against the Blues.
Conversely, Chelsea has faced a tumultuous week, marked by disappointing home draw against relegation-battling Ipswich Town and shocking elimination woes. With manager Enzo Maresca under scrutiny and the team seeking to reverse a trend of less-than-stellar away performances (they are without a win in their last **eight away games**), the stakes could not be higher for the Blues.
Given both teams’ recent struggles, it’s not far-fetched to expect a **competitive, high-scoring encounter**. Our prediction? **Fulham 2-2 Chelsea** – here’s to a thrilling derby!
Fulham vs Chelsea: Betting Tips
For those looking to add some excitement to the match, consider the following betting tips:
- Tip 1: Look for a **Draw** as both teams are under significant pressure.
- Tip 2: Expect **Both Teams to Score** given their offensive capabilities.
- Tip 3: Bet on **Over 2.5 Goals**, as this fixture has often seen action at both ends.
As the derby approaches, all eyes will be on Craven Cottage. Will Fulham secure bragging rights over their illustrious neighbors, or will Chelsea rise from the ashes? Only time will tell!
