Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a hard-fought goalless draw against Everton, a side Enzo Maresca praised as “one of the best defensive teams in Europe.”
Despite the stalemate, Chelsea remain firmly in second place, showcasing remarkable consistency as they approach the midway point of the season. With their first Boxing Day fixture since 2021, the Blues will aim to carry forward their impressive post-Christmas record, having won their last three matches immediately following the festive day.
However, Maresca has been cautious in entertaining title talk, and perhaps with good reason. Chelsea’s points tally of 35 is the lowest for a team in second place at Christmas since 2010, which may explain the manager’s tempered expectations. Still, a return to Stamford Bridge could be just what the Blues need to reignite their charge. While clean sheets at home have been rare this season—just one in Premier League action—Chelsea haven’t tasted defeat on their own turf since the opening day, a record that lends optimism heading into this West London derby.
Fulham, meanwhile, find themselves in a tightly packed league table where just three points separate fifth from tenth. A win here could propel them into the European spots, a tantalizing prospect as they approach the year’s end. Yet history isn’t on their side in West London derbies. Of the four local clubs, Fulham have the lowest win rate in these fixtures, and their record against Chelsea is particularly bleak. Since their first meeting in 1910, the Cottagers have managed just eight league victories over their neighbors, with Chelsea dominating the rivalry across decades.
Marco Silva’s task isn’t made easier by his own record against Chelsea. The Fulham boss has claimed just two wins in ten career meetings with the Blues, suffering six defeats, including four losses in five trips to Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless, Fulham’s resilience on the road this season gives them hope. Their last Premier League outing away from home saw them claim a point against league leaders Liverpool, a result that extended their unbeaten run on the road to four matches. This run, which includes a victory and three draws, suggests Fulham could spring a surprise if they play to their potential.
Chelsea’s attacking frustrations have been a talking point throughout the season, and their tally of 12 times hitting the woodwork is the highest in the Premier League. Nicolas Jackson, who has netted nine goals in the league, has been particularly unlucky, accounting for a quarter of those near-misses. Yet his persistence remains a key threat for opposition defenses. On the other side, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has been in excellent form, contributing four goal involvements in his last six appearances. The Nigerian midfielder has a knack for delivering in key moments, with his last three scoring appearances all seeing him strike the opener.
Adding another layer of intrigue is Fulham’s strong performance as underdogs. Of teams to play multiple games as outsiders in the Premier League, only Newcastle have a higher success rate in securing wins or draws than Fulham’s 75%. With that in mind, Silva’s men will likely approach this derby with quiet confidence, knowing they’ve defied the odds on several occasions this season.
As the two sides clash at Stamford Bridge, the stakes are clear. For Chelsea, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their position near the top of the table and keep pace in a tightly contested race. For Fulham, it’s a chance to make a statement in a challenging derby and potentially leap into European contention. With both teams boasting talented players in form, this West London showdown promises an engaging battle filled with storylines.
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