Chelsea are in the midst of a brutal run of form, sitting 10th in the Premier League table, and an injury crisis suddenly makes them even more vulnerable as they take on a dangerous Fulham side at Craven Cottage.
The Blues have won just one of their last eight matches across all competitions, and manager Graham Potter has felt increasing pressure from the Chelsea supporters.
That means a match against a surprisingly stout Fulham side, who sit seventh in the Premier League table and have come close to even more positive results on the whole, could present a real problem for the Blues.
To make matters worse, Chelsea are suffering with a massive injury list, as up to 10 first-team players are either missing or doubtful for this match. That includes Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling, plus a host of other attacking players.
MORE: Premier League top goal scorers as Erling Haaland chases league records
Fulham vs. Chelsea odds
Given the opposite form of the two sides, Chelsea are only slight favorites, with a far smaller perceived advantage than usual when these two clubs meet. The Blues are given plus odds on the moneyline, having struggled in recent weeks and facing a Fulham side that is seventh in the table.
Goals are expected in this match, with the “yes” selection heavily favored on both teams to score, while the over is also a favorite.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Neds (Australia).
BetMGM
SportsInteraction
SkyBet
Neds
Fulham win
+230
2.96
23/10
3.30
Draw
+250
3.42
5/2
3.40
Chelsea win
+115
2.23
11/10
2.10
Both teamsto score Y / N
-155 / +110
1.59 / 2.07
8/13, 6/5
1.67 / 2.15
Over / Under2.5 goals
-135 / -105
1.77 / 1.98
4/5, 10/11
1.85 / 1.95
Chelsea -0.5
+105
2.14
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Fulham +0.5
-145
1.69
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Fulham vs. Chelsea: 3 things to know
Fulham vs. Chelsea team news
The biggest miss for Fulham is the suspension of Aleksandar Mitrovic who picked up his fifth yellow card of the Premier League season last time out against Leicester City. Neeskens Kebano is still out with an ankle injury, while defender Shane Duffy, who has barely featured this season, is ill.
Chelsea have a complete crisis on their hands. Up front, Raheem Sterling (hamstring), Christian Pulisic (knee), and Armando Broja (knee) are all out injured for this match, while the status of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is up in the air due to a back problem. N’Golo Kante remains sidelined with his hamstring injury, as is Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Defenders Reece James (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), and Ben Chilwell (hamstring) are all missing, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (finger) rounds out the extensive injury list.
MORE: Updated Premier League table with title, Champions League, and relegation race breakdowns
Fulham vs. Chelsea match facts
Date: Thursday, January 12
Kickoff Time: 3:00 pm ET / 8:00 pm GMT / 7:00 am AEDT (Fri, Jan. 13)
Location: Craven Cottage (London, England)
Official: David Coote
Fulham vs. Chelsea key stats
Fulham have not secured a Premier League point against Chelsea since 2012, a run of seven straight league defeats. The Whites have not beaten Chelsea 2006, a stretch of 21 matches across all competitions, including 20 in league play.
Chelsea have just one win in their past eight matches across all competitions, a 2-0 victory at home over relegation threatened Bournemouth.
Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight matches against Fulham, scoring multiple goals in six of those matches as well.
Fulham vs. Chelsea prediction
Moneyline lean: Fulham (+230)
Against the spread lean: Fulham +0.5 (-145)
Score prediction: Fulham 1-0 Chelsea
If Fulham are ever going to beat their West London rivals and break the long winless streak, now is the chance. Yes, missing Mitrovic hurts, but the Blues are in a much, much worse situation at the moment.
Joao Palhinha has been sensational in midfield for Fulham this year, and his presence should help to lock down an already struggling Mason Mount. If the Whites can manage a goal in Mitrovic’s absence, it could make for a long day for Chelsea and deepen Graham Potter’s woes.
MORE: Injury update for USMNT forward Christian Pulisic, who was injured for Chelsea against Man City
Fulham vs. Chelsea: Best bet
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: -105 (BetMGM)
Given the absences on both sides of this match, it is primed for a low-scoring affair. Fulham missing Aleksandar Mitrovic leaves a big hole up front, and Carlos Vinicius hasn’t shown an ability to fill those shoes.
For Chelsea, they have an enormous list of players who will be sidelined, especially in the attack. The players remaining have been nothing short of inconsistent. Kai Havertz has been spotty up front, as have Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech.
This match has all the makings of a grinder, and goals will be at a premium.
Fulham vs. Chelsea: Prop bet
Pick: Willian to score or assist a goal
Odds: +160 (BetMGM)
At 34 and out of European club ball for quite some time, what Willian has put forth this season at Fulham has been nothing short of sensational.
The Brazilian will enjoy a match against his old club, and in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, he could be a key component of the Fulham attack. Willian loves a shot on goal from distance, and he’s been one of the Whites’ most consistent forwards in the past few weeks.
Fulham vs Chelsea live stream, TV channel
MORE: Watch Fulham vs Chelsea match live with fuboTV in Canada
TV channel
Streaming
USA
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Peacock
Canada
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fuboTV
UK
BT Sport 1
BTSport.com, BT Sport app
Australia
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Optus Sport
New Zealand
Sky Sport Premier League
Sky Sports
India
Star Sports Select 1
Hotstar VIP, JioTV
Hong Kong
Now Premier League 1 (620)
Now E
Malaysia
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Astro Go
Singapore
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StarHub TV+
