Chelsea Vs Fulham: The Blues Won't Slip

JAKARTA - Chelsea host Fulham in the 18th week of the 2024/2025 Premier League at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Thursday, December 26, 2024, WIB night, with a slick provision.

They have no new injury problems. Marc Cucurella is also available after the suspension.

Only Romeo Lavia is still absent due to a hamstring injury joining Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile on the bench.

They've had some games that Enzo Maresca couldn't play. However, it didn't matter much to Chelsea.

The Blues are in a positive trend. They have only lost twice in the league, the second least behind Liverpool as leaders.

Chelsea's journey in the league was also positive. They are even beyond predictions to be in second place, four points clear of the Reds.

Judging from that record, Fulham's arrival was not an obstacle. Moreover, The Cottagers only won one win against Chelsea in 25 meetings ended in all competitions.

The only win came at Craven Cottage in January 2023. Fulham has not won Stamford Bridge since a 2-0 win in the Second Division in 1979.

The victory of eight consecutive matches by Chelsea in all competitions did stop last week, December 22, 2024. They only won a 0-0 draw against Everton.

The result was also the first time the Blues had not scored in 16 league games.

However, Chelsea's unbeaten record in the league has not been broken since Liverpool's last 1-2 defeat on October 20, 2024.

The Blues are also predicted to be able to overcome Fulham and spend Christmas in second place for the first time since the 2016/2017 season.

The match was home to Boxing Day for the first time for Chelsea since their 0-2 defeat against Southampton in 2019.

There is a minor note for the Blues on Boxing Day of the Premier League. They lost six times during that period in London, three at Stamford Bridge and one each at Highbury (Arsenal), The Valley (Charlton Athletic), and Emirates Stadium (Arsenal).

These statistics can clearly be ruled out if you look at Chelsea's performance. Enzo Maresca's side have only lost three times to their last 32 Premier League games.

The defeat took place at Arsenal and Liverpool and at home against Manchester City.

Not to mention the Blues have weapons from set pieces. Only Arsenal scored more set-piece goals (excluding penalties) than seven Chelsea goals.

Then, Nicolas Jackson has scored 15 goals in 19 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. He was also involved in 13 goals in his last 12 appearances against the London side, scoring 11 goals and two assists.

Cole Palmer has scored 25 Premier League goals in 2024, one goal behind Erling Haaland. He equaled Chelsea's record for a calendar year, made by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in 2001.

Meanwhile, Fulham actually has a record that is quite positive. They have matched their longest unbeaten record in the Premier League, which is five games under Marco Silva (one win and four draws).

Their longest unbeaten record is seven league games under Mark Hughes from August to October 2010.

Currently, Fulham has also collected 25 points, the highest number after the first 17 Premier League matches in one season. Previously, the record was set under Chris Coleman in 2003/2004.

However, these statistics will not be enough to stop Chelsea's trending rate.