Last updated on August 31, 2025
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It promises to be a tense, entertaining derby, with moments of flair and tests of discipline all over the pitch.
Image credit: Chelsea Stats
This Saturday feels special. Chelsea are back at Stamford Bridge, fresh from that huge 5–1 win over West Ham.
Confidence is high, but Fulham aren’t coming here to roll over.
They’ve stayed unbeaten so far and will still remember the joy of finally winning at the Bridge last season after waiting almost half a century.
That’s what makes this derby more than just three points—it’s about pride, bragging rights, and seeing how both teams really measure up early in the season.
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Table of Contents
Chelsea’s Springboard
Chelsea’s big win over West Ham wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about the way the whole team clicked.
Goals came from different areas of the pitch, showing that the Blues aren’t relying only on Cole Palmer to make the magic happen.
Enzo Maresca has been clear about this too: the strength of this squad lies in its depth.
Young players are stepping up, experienced heads are guiding them, and together they’re starting to look like a unit that can handle pressure.
That collective energy could be the spark that pushes Chelsea forward in this derby.
Fulham’s Edge
Fulham have started this season with character—drawing 1–1 from both Brighton and Manchester United after trailing, showing they don’t cave under pressure.
And let’s not forget that moment last December at Stamford Bridge: Fulham broke a heartbreaking 45-year drought at Chelsea’s ground.
They came from behind to win 2–1—Harry Wilson equalised late and Rodrigo Muniz sealed the deal in stoppage time.
Put that together, and you’ve got a team that’s quietly tough, unafraid to fight and with a recent derby memory that reminds everyone they can deliver when it matters.
Manager Insights
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca hasn’t sugarcoated things—he’s been clear that this team isn’t a one-man show.
As he put it:
“If we think that Cole is going to solve all our problems, it’s a big mistake… it’s not just about Cole, it’s about all the squad.”
That was no surface comment—he doubled down, pointing out that before relying on any single star, the team must rely on itself as a unit.
He’s walked the talk too. Maresca’s rotated the squad, even playing without Palmer sometimes, because “Cole is an extra… but we also need to protect some players.”
That kind of thoughtful rotation shows he trusts his squad and isn’t chasing flash.
In short: Maresca wants balance, depth, and shared responsibility—qualities that often tell you more about a team’s potential than any single goal.
Team News
Chelsea head into the match with several injury concerns:
- Cole Palmer is a doubt after missing the 5–1 win over West Ham due to a groin injury sustained in the warm-up.
- Levi Colwill is out for the season following surgery for a ruptured ACL.
- Benoît Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are also unavailable due to injury.
Despite these setbacks, Chelsea will look to build on their strong performance against West Ham.
Fulham have a clean bill of health heading into the match, with no reported injuries or suspensions.
They’ll be aiming to cause an upset against their local rivals.
Tactical Match-Up
Derbies are often about emotion, but this one could be decided in the middle of the pitch.
Fulham have one of the league’s most reliable ball-winners in João Palhinha.
He doesn’t just break up play; he gives Fulham a backbone, allowing the rest of the team to stay calm and compact.
If Chelsea want to find rhythm, they’ll have to find ways around him.
On the other side, Enzo Maresca has been shaping Chelsea into a side that thrives on structure.
His system is all about pressing smartly, keeping the ball moving, and sharing responsibility across the squad.
You can see it in the way Moisés Caicedo sometimes tucks into midfield, letting others push forward, or how wide players like Pedro Neto stretch the game and drag defenders out of position.
And there are Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens adding fresh flair to Chelsea’s Squad.
So what does this mean for Saturday?
Expect Fulham to try and slow things down, sitting tight and staying well-organised to frustrate Chelsea.
The Blues, in contrast, will want quick combinations and sharp movement to unlock those gaps.
If Chelsea’s midfield can stay composed under pressure, their quality should shine through.
But if Palhinha and co. manage to turn it into a scrap, Fulham have shown they can punish mistakes and steal moments.
In short: this derby may not just be about flair or fire—it could come down to who wins the small battles in midfield and who keeps their nerve when the game gets tense.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz
Bold Prediction
Chelsea come in with momentum and belief, energized by their recent win and the home crowd behind them.
Fulham, however, are resilient and won’t give up without a fight.
If Chelsea control the midfield and make the most of their wide threats, they should edge Fulham.
Our quiet call: Chelsea 3–1 Fulham.
It promises to be a tense, entertaining derby, with moments of flair and tests of discipline all over the pitch.
