Chelsea host Fulham at Stamford Bridge in a London derby today, with the Blues looking to keep up the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Enzo Maresca’s side missed the chance to briefly go top when they drew 0-0 to Everton last week, and they are now six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Though they insist they are not in a title race, Chelsea will know that three points today is vital to any hopes they may have, while it would also give them a huge advantage in the race for top four.
And they face a Fulham side who have quietly creeped up the table in recent weeks, with four draws and a win from their last five matches. Marco Silva’s men sit in ninth, and could climb as high as sixth with a win.
Follow all the latest action from Stamford Bridge below:
Chelsea vs Fulham LIVE
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CHE – Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
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FUL – Leno, Castagne, Diop, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic, Pereira, Traore, Jimenez, Iwobi
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GOAL – 15’ – Palmer’s solo goal puts Blues ahead (1-0)
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Colwill heads in from close range just after half-time but he’s offside
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GOAL 81’ – Wilson heads in from close range to equalise (1-1)
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GOAL! 90+5’ – Muniz scores late winner after counter-attack (1-2)
Chelsea FC 1 – 2 Fulham FC
90’ +6 – Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
16:56 , Karl Matchett
Almost 2-2! Nkunku produces an acrobatic half-volley in mid-air from a delivery from wide and Leno launches himself to the right, tipping the ball around the post!
Final chance for Chelsea surely…the corner is cleared, Palmer wins a free-kick and will deliver it himself. Left-footed, into the box…headed away and Palmer slices it wide.
Full time!
What an improbable comeback victory, Wilson and Muniz score late goals to secure a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979!
GOAL! 90’ +4 – Chelsea 1-2 Fulham
16:54 , Karl Matchett
Fulham have done it!! A simple move down the right flank, an overload and a cross, more players committed forward than defenders running back and with Colwill 20 yards deeper than his teammates, Rodrigo Muniz sees the ball arrive to his feet, one touch controls it and the second is drilled into the bottom corner!
Chelsea 1, Fulham 2…two minutes to go.
90’ +3 – Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
16:52 , Karl Matchett
Iwobi removed now, Sessegnon on. Applause and ovation for the man going off. Fulham’s best by a distance today.
Just a couple of minutes left for Chelsea to come up with something late on to take the three points again.
Robinson’s cross to Wilson momentarily looks like Fulham might instead be in with a late chance, but Colwill and Gusto have defended well.
90’ – Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
16:48 , Karl Matchett
Into the last of the 90 and we’ve got six minutes added on for stoppages.
Fernandez feeds wide for Neto and his cross finds Cucurella – his header is blocked, the rebound falls to Sancho and Leno gets down quickly to palm aways his fierce drive!
Iwobi then leads another charge downfield, takes on two but can’t quite cross. He has been excellent today.
Robinson booked for stopping a Chelsea charge.
86’ – Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
16:46 , Karl Matchett
Lukic commits another foul – just about before the line of deserving a second yellow, decides the ref.
We’ll no doubt see a bit of stoppage time so plenty could yet happen – Sanchez now has to race 30 yards out of his goal to beat Iwobi to a lofted ball forwards, with no defender in sight.
Chelsea want to win, but will Maresca want them to risk losing?
84’ – Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
16:44 , Karl Matchett
A lengthy VAR check or two but it is indeed a goal! All square and now Chelsea will have to come forward again if they don’t want to risk losing more ground at the top.
GOAL! 81’ – Chelsea 1-1 Fulham
16:41 , Karl Matchett
Chaos, and Fulham are level! Iwobi shrugs Neto off the ball as he goes down claiming a foul, a cross finds Castagne at the far post and he nods back across the face of goal – where Wilson is unmarked, three yards from goal, and he heads in the easiest goal he’ll have for the rest of the year! Maybe beyond the next few days too.
Chelsea furious and want both a free-kick and an offside, so we might have a bit of a delay, but it looks like 1-1!
80’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:39 , Karl Matchett
Chelsea’s last home clean sheet was almost a month ago against Aston Villa – that’s the only notable home clean sheet this term too.
Nkunku handballs as he beats Andersen, then lobs the ball wide anyway after this whistle has gone – should be a booking, nothing done.
78’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:36 , Karl Matchett
Wilson tries a half-volley but doesn’t quite catch it properly and swipes it away, well off-target. Robinson then delivers from the left and Muniz rises to head on target, but it’s another simple save for Sanchez.
Not quite knocking on the door yet but at least they are trying to get forward a bit again. Chelsea’s best route to three points might just be to go at Fulham’s defence themselves – it’s a bit passive right now.
74’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:32 , Karl Matchett
Nkunku on for Jackson, first change for the Blues. Fulham go to the bench again too as Muniz and Cairney replace Jimenez and Pereira.
Into the final 15 minutes or so plus stoppage time – is there another goal in this game? It’s finely poised but neither goalkeeper has been drawn into too much action this half: one good tip-over from Leno, one brave block from Sanchez.
70’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:29 , Karl Matchett
Chelsea just getting a bit more possession in the attacking half now in the last couple of minutes – have Fulham lost their way and missed their chance to equalise?
Palmer winds past a tackle and wins a free-kick to further frustrate the visitors, and give the chance to load the box again. His delivery towards Tosin is headed away and then Enzo and Wilson go down after colliding with each other.
66’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:25 , Karl Matchett
Nice individual run from Jackson as he tries to take his team upfield and get the Blues on the front foot again, but his eventual shot is lacking in power and saved by Leno.
Harry Wilson comes on for Adama Traore in Fulham’s first sub of the day. He’s helped them turn the game more than once this term – can he impact again?
62’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:21 , Karl Matchett
Great work from Iwobi again. He escapes Fernandez with quick feet then beats Neto for pace – yellow card for the Portuguese winger, free-kick for Fulham right on the edge of the box for a slide tackle which got nowhere near the ball.
Pereira is over the dead ball…and he goes directly for goal, trying to surprise Sanchez, but it’s straight at the keeper.
Moments later it should be 1-1 – Traore’s cross finds Robinson, his first touch is just behind his right foot instead of tight on his left and that allows Sanchez to rush out five yards and make a good block with his body. Big opening for the visitors.
58’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:16 , Karl Matchett
Two better moments from Fulham after that Iwobi chance, with a break and cross from each flank. Neither end in a shot but more bodies were forward and that’s more reason for optimism.
Gusto then has to yell at Sanchez to get out quicker to collect a long ball over the top.
Perhaps the momentum of the game has just swung a bit here in this last few minutes.
54’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:13 , Karl Matchett
Iwobi has been about the only threat from Fulham and he goes close again, spinning left then right and bending a shot towards the top corner. It’s not far wide, just a foot or so, and Sanchez was nowhere near. Not on target though so no problem, though a warning for Chelsea all the same.
50’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:08 , Karl Matchett
Goal!… No goal! Palmer drives down the left wing and crosses low, Colwill diving in to nod home past Leno, but the offside flag is straight up and the effort is ruled out.
He was always ahead of the ball in truth, Colwill, so no great surprise to see it confirmed quickly. Still 1-0.
48’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:07 , Karl Matchett
Enzo Fernandez very close to a brilliant second – but that’s a great tip-over from Leno, the captain’s shot looking like it was heading for the top corner there.
Fulham haven’t exactly come out all guns blazing here, so Chelsea will hope for a few more chances at finding that crucial second goal.
46’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
16:05 , Karl Matchett
Second half time – no changes but Fulham had a few warming up at the break. They need a response for sure.
45’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:47 , Karl Matchett
One minute added on. Fulham have actually had the same number of shots as Chelsea, five apiece, but they’ve not really threatened with any of them and none have been after really good build-up play.
Right at the end of the half Chelsea almost break through again with some one-touch football – Bassey is across with a last-ditch sliding challenge just in time to keep it to one.
42’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:45 , Karl Matchett
Keep-ball from the Blues as they look to take this lead into the break.
Silva is going to be giving his side quite the talking to you imagine.
38’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:38 , Karl Matchett
A replay of that Cucurella chance – he’s almost ahead of the ball and can’t quite divert it one side or another. Leno fumbles his parry a bit, straight out in front of him, but Bassey arrives first rather than a blue shirt to clear.
Iwobi then gives away the ball, Chelsea pour forward again and Andersen is forced into taking a yellow by hauling down his man.
Fulham so sloppy in this half of football.
34’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:36 , Karl Matchett
Jackson wins a free-kick and, after much jostling and pointing, Palmer curls it straight into the wall.
Lukic then chops down Fernandez and earns a booking for his troubles; this time Palmer delivers a cross and finds a brilliant diving header from Cucurella, unmarked…and he really should score, but it’s straight at Leno who parries away. An escape for Fulham.
Sancho almost feeds in Jackson a moment later but it’s cleared.
30’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:31 , Karl Matchett
Cucurella has been excellent for Chelsea of late but he’s been fairly quiet here, restrained with his positioning – the two wide attackers have been lively though and stretching play as much as possible. Enzo Maresca must be very content with this performance so far – not loads created but plenty of control, a goal to the good and nothing much created against them.
26’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:26 , Karl Matchett
Sancho almost tees up Jackson after a decent dribble infield – Castagne hasn’t laid a glove on the winger yet. The same could be said for Fulham in general to be fair, as they haven’t really got started and seem too sluggish in defence to halt the home team’s advances.
Lots of loose passes from those in white shirts. Marco Silva is getting irate on the touchline; presumably the fans aren’t delighted either but for now they content themselves by jeering their opposite numbers for being quiet.
Iwobi then sets off on a run in his own half and just…doesn’t stop! A fine burst, past three challenges ending in a left-footed shot – Sanchez gets down well to save. Much better from Iwobi.
22’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:24 , Karl Matchett
Again Palmer has the next effort, on target but weak, followed by a longer-range strike from Pereira, which has all the power and none of the accuracy. Miles over.
18’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:21 , Karl Matchett
Almost another chance for Chelsea as Fulham dally around on the ball in their own box, but Leno escapes to grasp it.
Neto down the right then fashions an opening with a cut-back, but between them Palmer and Jackson can’t get a powerful shot away.
Jimenez whips one wide at the other end after an immediate throw down field.
GOAL! 15’ – Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
15:17 , Karl Matchett
Out of nothing, Cole Palmer scores the opener!
A simple turn in the middle of the half, he suddenly puts on a burst of pace, skips away from the two closest defenders and then side-foots the most gentle, and accurate, finish you’ll see this weekend – through the legs of one defender and right inside the corner of the net, leaving Leno stunned.
1-0 to Chelsea.
12’ – Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
15:15 , Karl Matchett
Sancho again gets the better of Castagne, combining this time with Palmer just inside the area, but Fulham get numbers back to force the Blues away for now.
A strong start from the hosts, without really threatening Leno too much.
Most of Fulham’s early promise has come down their left, with Iwobi lively, and Jimenez now shoots from that corner of the penalty box and it’s on target…but soft, and easy for Sanchez.
8’ – Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
15:11 , Karl Matchett
Not too much early goalmouth action to report but Chelsea tend to like building control before swarming forward from higher upfield.
Sancho dips a cross just over Jackson and looking for Neto, but Leno is able to gather; Adama and Iwobi combine at the other end but Tosin is again in place to clear. This is only the sixth league start of the season for the former Fulham man, so he’ll be happy to be in place against his old side.
4’ – Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
15:06 , Karl Matchett
Bright start from the hosts. Neto tries to make ground down the right twice, then Robinson attempts to do the same at the other end of the pitch. Good recovery run from Tosin to clear.
1’ – Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
15:02 , Karl Matchett
Right, we’re underway. Chelsea excellent overall this season but needing better form at home perhaps. What can Fulham do to keep the trend going?
Chelsea v Fulham – live
14:59 , Karl Matchett
Just about ready to go at Stamford Bridge. Fulham could go as high as fifth with a win, though it would have to be a big one. More importantly, going a sixth straight league game unbeaten would keep their momentum and confidence and see them remain in touch with the European places.
Chelsea v Fulham – live
14:53 , Karl Matchett
The Cottagers have had a relatively settled side for much of this term, though Joachim Andersen has missed matches through injury.
Perhaps the one member of the team today who wouldn’t generally be considered a first-choice is right wing-back Timothy Castagne – he’s making just a third league start of 24/25 and he’s played only 268 league minutes all season.
Quite the task then to be facing up to an in-form Jadon Sancho. That head to head battle could turn out key.
Chelsea v Fulham – live
14:47 , Karl Matchett
Chelsea will of course be trying to close the gap at the top, with Liverpool sat four points clear at the start of play – and having had one fewer fixture so far due to a postponement.
The Blues can only hope to keep winning their own fixtures and keep tabs on the Reds of course, but victory in this derby clash will at least mean Arne Slot’s side have little margin for error later on against Leicester.
Match facts
14:40 , Chris Wilson
Fulham are unbeaten in each of their last five Premier League games (W1 D4), with each of the last three finishing level. They last had more consecutive top-flight draws in December/January in 2020-21 (5).
They are unbeaten in each of their last nine Premier League London derby matches (W4 D5), since a 1-0 loss at Chelsea in January this year.
Emile Smith Rowe has either scored (2 goals) or assisted (1) in three of his four Premier League starts against Chelsea (all for Arsenal), with both goals against the Blues coming at Stamford Bridge.
Match facts
14:30 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games (W6 D3), last having a longer run without defeat in Thomas Tuchel’s first 10 in charge of the club between January and March 2021. The Blues’ only two defeats this season have come against reigning champions Manchester City, and current league leaders Liverpool.
Nicolas Jackson has a combined 15 goals (11) and assists (4) in his last 19 Premier League starts at Stamford Bridge. Jackson also has 13 goal involvements in his last 12 London derby appearances in the league (11 goals, 2 assists).
Chelsea v Fulham team news
14:28 , Karl Matchett
Two goalkeepers on Chelsea’s bench today, but the starting XI is still looking formidable. Neto and Sancho are for many the wide pair who may establish themselves as the first choice, though Madueke – absent today – has been excellent this term.
For Fulham, they’ll hope the back three on show today can keep out the No9 and No10 pairing of the hosts.
Maresca: “We are ahead of our expectations”
14:25 , Chris Wilson
In his pre-match conference, Enzo Maresca said that Chelsea “are ahead of our expectations in terms of the way we are playing and in terms of points. Our main focus is to see how we can improve the players.
“It’s not about the pressure. I would like to have that kind or pressure and hopefully we can have that pressure. The reality for me is we are not there [as title challengers],” he added.
“I think, for sure, the reality is we are second. It’s almost halfway so probably the table reflect the teams where they are. Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day.
“Probably the squad, they have already lived that kind of moment [to win a trophy]. You need to live that kind of moment to raise and be close. I think Manchester City at the end will be there [too],” he added when asked about the teams at the top.
Match facts
14:20 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 19 home league games against Fulham (W12 D7) since a 2-0 loss in the second tier in October 1979.
Fulham have won just two of their 34 Premier League games against Chelsea (D11 L21), with their 6% win rate against the Blues the lowest any side has another in the competition’s history (min. 20 meetings).
How the table looks
14:15 , Chris Wilson
Both sides have arguably exceeded expectations so far this season, with Chelsea experiencing a resurgence under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The Blues sit in second at the start of Boxing Day, just four points behind Liverpool (who have a game in hand) and two above Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Fulham begin the day in ninth, on 25 points, but they could go as high as sixth (however briefly) if they were to pick up three points.
Head-to-head
14:10 , Chris Wilson
These two sides first met as long ago as 1910, and there have been around 60 official meetings since. Overall, Chelsea have won 38, Fulham have won four, and 18 have ended as draws.
Last season, Chelsea took three points from both meetings, winning 1-0 at home and 2-0 away.
Boxing Day fixtures in full
14:05 , Chris Wilson
As well as City’s match with Everton earlier, there are six more games to keep track of in the Premier League today.
This match kicks off at 3pm, along with:
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Southampton v West Ham
In addition, Wolves host Manchester United at 5.30pm, while Liverpool take on Leicester at Anfield at 8pm.
Chelsea miss out on top spot after being held to goalless draw at Everton
14:00 , Chris Wilson
The report from last time out as Chelsea drew to Everton…
Chelsea squandered the chance to put pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton at Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche’s side became the first team since Newcastle in October to prevent the Londoners from scoring – and only the third this season – and that brought to an end an eight-match winning run.
While there was no immediate new owner bounce for the Toffees, watched by incoming executive chairman Marc Watts and other representatives of The Freidkin Group after Thursday’s takeover, this was a continuation of the progress which has brought a degree of stability on the pitch.
Chelsea miss out on top spot after being held to goalless draw at Everton
Chelsea v Fulham team news
13:49 , Luke Baker
Here’s how the teams are lining up today
Team news
13:40 , Chris Wilson
The line-ups should be released in around five minutes.
Remember that Chelsea remain without Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and potentially Romeo Lavia, while Fulham are missing Harrison Reed, Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete, while Sander Berge is a doubt after turning his ankle against Southampton.
Predicted line-ups
13:35 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson.
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Cairney, Lukic; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez.
Team news
13:30 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea remain without Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, though could welcome back Romeo Lavia to the squad after injury. Mykhailo Mudryk is serving a suspension after a failed drugs test.
Harrison Reed, Reiss Nelson and Kenny Tete are Fulham’s longer-term injury absentees, while Sander Berge is a doubt after turning his ankle against Southampton.
Is Chelsea vs Fulham on TV?
13:20 , Chris Wilson
When is Chelsea vs Fulham?
Chelsea vs Fulham is due to kick off at 3pm GMT on Thursday 26 December at Stamford Bridge.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video, with the streaming service showing every Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea vs Fulham LIVE
13:10 , Chris Wilson
Chelsea welcome near neighbours Fulham to Stamford Bridge in a Boxing Day clash of west London rivals.
Separated by just a couple of miles, the two sides are each looking to bounce back from weekend stalemates as a hectic festive period rolls on.
Chelsea’s title ambitions were dented by a draw against a resolute Everton as their dynamic forward line failed to fire, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side four points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Fulham, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five matches with a point against Southampton, though four draws in that period have prevented Marco Silva’s men from climbing the table.
Chelsea vs Fulham LIVE
12:58 , Chris Wilson
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Chelsea vs Fulham in the Premier League.
The Blues look to keep the pressure on Liverpool as they begin the day four points behind the Reds, while Fulham could climb into sixth with a win against their local rivals.
We’ll have all the latest team news, updates and reaction here.
Read the full article here