On Saturday, August 30, Chelsea will face their third consecutive London derby as they host Fulham in the Premier League 2025/26 Matchday 3 clash. The Blues had mixed results in their first two derbies: after a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, they bounced back strongly last weekend with a dominant 5-1 away win over West Ham. Enzo Maresca’s men now aim to keep their momentum going as they target a win against Fulham to enter the international break with seven points and remain unbeaten. The two-week break, despite many players being away on international duty, will provide the team with some much-needed rest after a packed summer. Chelsea didn’t really have a preseason, having gone all the way to win the FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain. Fulham also arrive unbeaten, though with only two points after drawing their first two fixtures. Last Sunday, Marco Silva’s side held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw, with Emile Smith Rowe canceling out Rodrigo Muniz’s unlucky own goal. Considering Chelsea’s recent form, having lifted both the FIFA Club World Cup and the Europa Conference League, it will be tough for the Cottagers to leave Stamford Bridge with points. Still, Fulham are expected to improve after the international break, especially with the transfer window still open. The club is reportedly close to signing Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, who is looking for redemption after two disappointing seasons in Italy.

Chelsea's recent form and key stats

After the goalless draw at home against Crystal Palace, Chelsea secured their first win of the season last weekend by thrashing West Ham 5-1 away. Despite going behind in the 6th minute, the Blues quickly turned things around before halftime with goals from Joao Pedro, Neto, and Enzo Fernandez, before sealing the victory in the second half through Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah.

Maresca’s side have started this season the way they ended the last one: unbeaten in their last seven matches across the FIFA Club World Cup and the Premier League. Stamford Bridge has been a fortress in 2025, with Chelsea losing just one of their 15 games there – a meaningless Conference League quarter-final return leg against Legia Warsaw. The home factor could once again play a crucial role in the upcoming derby against Fulham.

Fulham's recent form and key stats

Fulham have done well in their first two league games, drawing twice (both 1-1) against Brighton and Manchester United, managing to come back from behind on both occasions. On 27 August, Marco Silva's men secured their place in the Carabao Cup round of 32 with a 2-0 win over Bristol City thanks to an own goal by Tanner and a goal from Mexican Raul Jimenez.

Last season, the Cottagers actually performed better away from home than at Craven Cottage, collecting 28 points (8 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses) compared to 26 at home. Notably, one of their away wins came at Stamford Bridge when they beat Chelsea 2-1 on Boxing Day, December 26.

Chelsea vs Fulham prediction and tactical overview

Judging by Chelsea’s performance against West Ham, it seems unlikely that the Blues will slip up against Fulham. Maresca’s team can hurt opponents in many ways: through their wingers’ pace, midfield runs, and set-piece threats.

The hosts are likely to miss Cole Palmer and midfielder Romeo Lavia, but Chelsea’s squad depth should still allow them to get the job done.

On the other side, Marco Silva has a full squad available, but Fulham’s attack may struggle to break down Chelsea’s solid defense, which has only conceded once in two matches – a long-range strike from Lucas Paquetá.

• Chelsea vs Fulham prediction by BetMines: 1 (Home win) – 58%
  
  
• Chelsea vs Fulham prediction by BetMines: X (Draw) – 23%
  
  
• Chelsea vs Fulham prediction by BetMines: 2 (Away win) – 19%

Probable lineups Chelsea vs Fulham

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto; Delap. Coach: Enzo Maresca

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz. Coach: Marco Silva