Chelsea are desperate to reignite their stuttering Champions League push as they head to Craven Cottage to face ninth-placed Fulham in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The Cottagers, smarting from a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, have been leaking goals and flipping wins with losses, yet their home victories over Liverpool and Tottenham show their threat.
Chelsea, clinging to sixth after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Ipswich and a 2-1 Conference League defeat to Legia Warszawa, are winless on the road since December and one point shy of a top-five spot. With Enzo Maresca under pressure and Fulham’s Marco Silva eyeing a late European surge, this promises to be a tasty battle.
Chelsea’s recent woes, including three winless Premier League games and a porous away record, put Maresca in the spotlight, especially after losing to Silva’s Fulham in December.
Fulham’s shaky defense, conceding eight in four, offers hope, but their knack for upsetting big sides at home spells danger for the Blues. Chelsea unleashed 34 shots against Ipswich, and must sharpen their attacking edge to outgun a Fulham side six points adrift but still dreaming of Europe.
A win could propel Chelsea closer to Manchester City’s fifth-placed perch and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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Team News
Fulham face Chelsea with minimal injury woes, missing only wingers Harry Wilson and Reiss Nelson, though Wilson nears a return by late April.
Nelson remains out with a hamstring injury - however should be set to return to action in early May.
Chelsea
The Blues will welcome Romeo Lavia back into the fold - Enzo Maresca in his latest press conference confirmed the Belgian has returned to full-team training.
Wesley Fofana remains out with muscle injury, still set to miss remaining of the season. Marc Guiu also an absentee, having suffered a hamstring injury in May.
Reece James featured midweek in the UEFA Conference League, although is unlikely to start against Fulham.
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Likely Line-Ups
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Iwobi, Pereira, Sessegnon; Jimenez
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
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Key Players
Fulham - Antonee Robinson
Arguably Fulham's player of the season - Antonee Robinson will be expected to pose a huge threat for the Cottagers. The 27-year-old currently sits on 10 assists in the Premier League this season, boasting pace and physical prowess down the left flank.
His consistency throughout the season has played a huge part for Fulham's success. Marco Silva will be well aware of the threat the American can provide down Chelsea's right flank against an out-of-form Malo Gusto.
Chelsea - Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian has been an ever-present for Chelsea this season, at the heart of Enzo Maresca's midfield. Caicedo's defensive awareness, understanding of the game and ball-winning ability has been a joy to watch for Chelsea fans this season.
Regardless of if the visitors turn up at the required intensity, many will still expect to see Caicedo win the midfield battle despite Sander Berge's physicality.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match will be played at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 20 April 2025.
How can I watch?
The game will unfortunately not be televised live in the UK.
