Thursday Fulham Stuff - 26/12/24...

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What channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on? How to watch Premier League match for free
The post-Christmas round of Premier League fixtures - including Chelsea's west London derby against Fulham - aren't being broadcast on Sky Sports or TNT Sports like usual

Chelsea welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge in the west London derby on Boxing Day.

Enzo Maresca's side have been in a rich vein of form, not tasting defeat since October. But Sunday's 0-0 draw away at Everton did see the Blues fall further behind league leaders Liverpool, who are now four points clear with a game in hand.

Their closest rivals have been enjoying a successful season themselves under Marco Silva, whose side also played out a stalemate at home against Southampton last weekend. It promises to be an entertaining spectacle at the Bridge.

And for fans in the UK, there's a way they'll be able to watch the Premier League clash for free. Sky Sports or TNT Sports are not broadcasting it like usual - so here's everything you need to know.

What channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on?
All 10 matchweek 18 fixtures - eight on Boxing Day and two on December 27 - are being streamed live on Amazon Prime. It's one of two rounds that they have the rights for this season.

This is the last chance to watch their Premier League offerings for the foreseeable future, as they missed out on the new TV deal, which comes into effect next year and runs until the end of the 2028/29 campaign.

How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham for free
Amazon Prime subscribers can watch the match for no extra cost. The membership fees are £8.99 a month or a slightly discounted annual fee of £95.

However, Amazon offers new members a 30-day free trial, which automatically renews at the monthly price unless cancelled. Students and 18-22 year olds can enjoy a six-month free trial and a 50% discount thereafter.

Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27.

Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.

What time does Chelsea vs Fulham kick-off?
The derby is one of five 3pm kick-offs in the top flight on Boxing Day. Presenter Kelly Somers will be joined by Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and ex-Blues and Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell as pundits, with Ian Darke and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk on commentary.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-fulham-how-watch-free-34363111

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Iwobi opens pop-up shop to help struggles families
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up a pop-up shop in Canning Town to support struggling families through at Christmas.

The Nigerian international's 'Alexpress' shop provides vulnerable residents of his hometown with the essentials they require free of charge. The pop-up has a wide array of stock to cater for those who might be struggling – with turkeys available too.

Iwobi told the BBC:

"This is where I was raised for my primary school education. Families come in, select drinks, and stuff for the house. By the end of it, there is a turkey. It's a minimart to give out food to families that are not able to get food for Christmas. If I can help them celebrate Christmas, why not?"

Iwobi emphasized how his upbringing shaped his values. "Just seeing how my parents are—I have always seen them give back. With them as my role models, I feel like, whether in the position I am today or a lesser position, I would try my best to give back and help the less fortunate and people who are not able to eat," he added.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/iwobi-opens-pop-up-shop-to-help-struggles-families/

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi ready for Chelsea
Alex Iwobi can't wait for Fulham's opportunity to test Chelsea's title-chasing mettle at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

The Nigerian international insists that Marco Silva's side can reclaim the local bragging rights as they prepare to take on the Blues. Iwoni told FFCTV this afternoon:

emphasized the challenge Chelsea will face.

"Confident team. They have got so many talented players not just the eleven. But the players they can bring on as well can impact the game. It is another derby. So I am sure, how good you're is going to be out the window. It is going to be war."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/12/iwobi-ready-for-chelsea/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea vs Fulham: Preview, predictions and lineups

    Chelsea host Fulham in Boxing Day's west London derby
    Blues flying high in second place under Enzo Maresca
    Fulham eyeing push for European qualification

Boxing Day will bring us a west London derby when Fulham make the short trip to meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

There is more distance between these two sides on the Premier League table than there is on a map. Chelsea sit up in second, seven places ahead of their visitors, whose Craven Cottage home sits just over one mile away.

However, both teams find themselves in strong form. Indeed, no side has picked up more points than Chelsea over their last five Premier League games, while Fulham are unbeaten over the same stretch after facing Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Here's all you need to know about the latest instalment in this local rivalry.

What time does Chelsea vs Fulham kick-off?
    Location: London, England
    Stadium: Stamford Bridge
    Date: Thursday 26 December
    Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
    Referee: Sam Barrott
    VAR: Paul Tierney

Chelsea vs Fulham H2H Record (Last Five Games)

    Chelsea: 3 wins
    Fulham: 1 win
    Draws: 1

    Last meeting: Chelsea 1-0 Fulham (13 January 2024) - Premier League

Current form (all competitions)

Chelsea	Fulham
Everton 0-0 Chelsea - 22/12/24	Fulham 0-0 Southampton - 22/12/24
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers - 19/12/24	Liverpool 2-2 Fulham - 14/12/24
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford - 15/12/24	Fulham 1-1 Arsenal - 08/12/24
Astana 1-3 Chelsea - 12/12/24	Fulham 3-1 Brighton - 05/12/24
Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea - 08/12/24	Tottenham 1-1 Fulham - 01/12/24

How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham on TV and live stream - UK & US

Country	TV channel/live stream
United Kingdom	Amazon Prime Video
United States	Peacock, SiriusXM FC
Canada	fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada

Chelsea team news
Chelsea will welcome left-back Marc Cucurella into the starting lineup after the Spaniard served his suspension, with Malo Gusto likely to return to the right side of defence and Axel Disasi potentially dropping to the bench.

Reece James has been back in partial training recently but is not yet nearing a return from his hamstring injury, meaning he will remain on the sidelines alongside centre-back duo Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

Romeo Lavia will hope to make the bench but there will be no Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended after a positive doping test.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.

Fulham team news
Fulham will also welcome a big name back from suspension as Andreas Pereira is free to start at the top of midfield once again.

Both Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic limped off injured last time out against Southampton and may not recover in time for this one. Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed and Reiss Nelson are all expected to miss out.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Fulham predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Smith Rowe; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez.

Chelsea vs Fulham score prediction
Fulham have proven to be a tough test for the Premier League's elite recently and the Cottagers will likely cause the same sort of problems for Chelsea, whose stalemate with Everton hints at a vulnerability against a stubborn defence.

Unlike Everton, however, Fulham have been really going for it in their last few games, scoring once against Arsenal and putting two past Liverpool. With Chelsea's defence not at its strongest, there could be some joy for Marco Silva's side.

Expect a gritty clash between two rivals who may be forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Fulham




https://www.90min.com/chelsea-vs-fulham-preview-predictions-lineups-26-12-24

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There is one clear reason why Enzo Maresca must start Pedro Neto for Chelsea against Fulham
Chelsea will be looking to return to winning ways this afternoon when they welcome local rivals Fulham to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had been on a winning run of eight games in all competitions under Enzo Maresca before they were halted in their tracks by Everton last time out.

The boss had to get a bit creative with his team selection for the trip to Goodison Park, with Malo Gusto starting at left-back and Axel Disasi on the right.

The usual headache over who starts in the wide areas for the Blues saw the Italian leave Noni Madueke out of his starting side last time out, in favour of Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea need Pedro Neto to start to deal with Antonee Robinson
The Portuguese international was coming back into the side after serving a suspension for picking up too many yellow cards this season.

However, his work-rate against the Toffees was crucial, especially when it came to protecting Disasi from the threat of the dangerous Iliman Ndiaye. Jason Cundy described Neto's performance as 'brilliant'.

Fulham's biggest threat in this afternoon's fixture is going to be down the same side, however this time from left-back Antonee Robinson.

The American has six assists so far this season, and has created 20 chances in the Premier League.

He has also clocked a high speed of 35.1kph this season, a total very few in the top flight can match.

Is Pedro Neto Chelsea's fastest player?
One of those is Neto though. He has been recorded at 35.4kph this season, a figure higher than any other Chelsea player including Mykhailo Mudryk.

According to SpeedSBD, Madueke has only reached a top speed of 28.7, and would therefore find it far more difficult to track back with Robinson, particularly on the fast break.

Leaving Madueke out of the side will take out a bit of their direct attacking threat. The England international has five goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea have more than enough attacking talent to win the game though, and should also be taking into account their defensive duties against a dangerous opponent.

For this reason, Neto is going to be crucial at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/columnist/there-is-one-clear-reason-why-enzo-maresca-must-start-pedro-neto-for-chelsea-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's record against the Premier League's top six clubs this season ahead of Boxing Day clash with Chelsea
Chelsea return to action on Boxing Day with a showdown against local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea host their West London neighbours on Thursday afternoon in a festive cracker, which is a match up between two sides exceeding expectations in the Premier League this season.

For the Blues, they currently sit second in the division table going into the league clash at home to Fulham. Enzo Maresca's side will temporarily close the gap to leaders Liverpool to just a point with a victory today, though.

Chelsea supporters are calling for Joao Felix to start versus Fulham, but let's see if the manager shakes things up during a busy schedule.

Meanwhile, Fulham sit ninth in the Premier League right now, only two points behind Manchester City in seventh.

Fulham record vs the Premier League's big six clubs this season
Fulham, who play some great football under Marco Silva's management, are an established top-flight club. The Cottagers have the quality within their ranks to go toe to toe with any opponent, too.

As Chelsea prepare to face Fulham on Boxing Day, here is a look at how they've fared in their league fixtures versus the Premier League's 'top six' clubs this season:

    Manchester United 1-0 Fulham (16 August)
    Manchester City 3-2 Fulham (5 October)
    Tottenham 1-1 Fulham (1 December)
    Fulham 1-1 Arsenal (8 December)
    Liverpool 2-2 Fulham (14 December)

If Chelsea supporters are expecting an easy fixture at Fulham, it may be time to rethink that. They deserve big respect for going unbeaten this month in league clashes with Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs.

Chelsea's predicted line-up against Fulham includes a few changes from the weekend's goalless draw with Everton. You'd suspect they'll need to improve on that performance to get three points on Boxing Day.

Who are the key Fulham threats for Chelsea to watch out for?
Not only are Fulham a well-organised side under Silva, but they've also got a few really talented footballers.

Here is a look at Fulham's top five highest rated individual players so far this campaign:

Player	Average rating
Antonee Robinson	7.45
Alex Iwobi	7.38
Kenny Tete	7.14
Emile Smith Rowe	7.10
Adama Traore	7.03

Fulham's highest rated players of the 2024/25 Premier League season so far via FOTMOB

Fulham have some quality players in their ranks, including all-action left-back Antonee Robinson. In fact, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto should start against Fulham to handle Robinson.

Elsewhere, Blues midfielders Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will need to be on top form to deal with Fulham's power in the centre of the park.



https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/news/fulhams-record-against-the-premier-leagues-top-six-clubs-this-season-ahead-of-boxing-day-clash-with-chelsea/

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Fulham boss Marco Silva says Chelsea actually have a really 'quality player' in their ranks
Both Marco Silva and Enzo Maresca will be determined to hand Fulham and Chelsea fans respectively a Christmas present as the two sides meet each other on Boxing Day.

Chelsea are overwhelming favourites heading into the fixture, especially given the fact that the game is at Stamford Bridge.

Furthermore, Enzo Maresca will be hoping that the Blues can bounce back after their 0-0 draw against Everton.

Chelsea were rather flat against Sean Dyche's side and on the day, Robert Sanchez and Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps saved the visitors' blushes at Goodison Park.

Adarabioyo has a chance to reunite with his former club Fulham on Thursday.

Ahead of the contest, Marco Silva was quizzed about the Englishman.

Marco Silva hails "quality" Tosin Abarabioyo ahead of Chelsea vs Fulham on Boxing Day
The Fulham boss lauded Adarabioyo's performances in a Chelsea shirt while also praising his character during his latest press conference. Eddie Howe was surprised Adarabioyo signed for Chelsea considering he had a face-to-face meeting with him about a move to Newcastle United, with the defender making a last-minute move to Enzo Maresca's side.

Marco Silva said via BeanymanSports2: "He was so important in three seasons with us. I think he did improve really and it's nice to see him. It's going to be nice to see him there of course during the game, he's going to try to win, we're going to try to win as well."

"But [he] was a good professional, a good lad, always open to learn and a quality player and because he's a quality a player is the reason why he's playing for Chelsea and doing so well, that's it, it's going to be a good thing."

Adarabioyo rejected Manchester United as he had already given his word to Enzo Maresca about putting pen to paper for Chelsea.

Chelsea initially questioned Tosin Adarabioyo transfer
A claim emerged in September that Chelsea questioned why they signed Adarabioyo after he was named on the bench in their first three Premier League games.

The Blues are believed to have wondered why they completed a deal for the former Manchester City centre-back but went on to loan Trevoh Chalobah out to Crystal Palace.

But in their last four league outings, Adarabioyo has started.

It seems like the 25-year-old is finding his feet at Chelsea and after his commanding display at the heart of the defence against Everton, he seems likely to start against Fulham as well.

Enzo Maresca will especially value Adarabioyo if he keeps up his consistency and proves to be a reliable deputy in Wesley Fofana's injury-enforced absence.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-boss-marco-silva-says-chelsea-actually-have-a-really-quality-player-tosin-adarabioyo-in-their-ranks/

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Chelsea stars hint at starting midfield for Fulham as double Enzo Maresca decision made
Chelsea return to Premier League action with a traditional Boxing Day fixture at Stamford Bridge against Fulham

Two Chelsea stars have hinted at the starting midfield partnership Enzo Maresca will favour this afternoon when the Blues host west London neighbours Fulham in the Premier League.

Marco Silva's side are making the short trip across the city to take on their fierce rivals on what will be an action-packed day of sport on Boxing Day. For Chelsea, the hope will be that they can put one over Fulham to continue their push towards challenging table-topping Liverpool this season.

Before Christmas, the Blues lost ground to Arne Slot's pace-setters after being held to a 0-0 draw by Everton. As for Liverpool, meanwhile, they were impressive as they dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 in north London.

With a victory vital to heap pressure on the leaders - ahead of their match this evening against Leicester City - all eyes are on Maresca to see who he will choose to trust against Fulham. According to social media, it appears that the Italian will opt to start the same midfield pivot which played last time out at Goodison Park.

Indeed, both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo posted match graphics to their Instagram profiles on Christmas Day, signposting fans to the action on Thursday. While not a guarantee that either man will be playing, these posts are often used by players to flag to family and friends that they will be in the team for the upcoming game.

The Fernandez and Caicedo partnership has been trusted by Maresca in recent Premier League matches. The pair have been played alongside each other in the past two Premier League games.



https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-stars-hint-starting-midfield-30659116

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea v Fulham: Predicted Blues line-up for West London derby
Fulham make the short trip to face neighbours Chelsea in a West London derby ion Thursday afternoon.

Enzo Maresca's Blues have enjoyed a superb season so far and currently sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.

Fulham, meanwhile, have also impressed and occupy ninth place having won six of their 17 games so far.

Here, we predict the XI that Maresca will select for the visit of the Cottagers.

Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez has started 16 of Chelsea's 17 league games so far this season, and he is in line to start on Thursday. The Spaniard has been criticised for some of his performances this term, but he produced a number of superb saves during the Blues' goalless draw against Everton last time out.

Defenders
At right-back, Malo Gusto is set to start in the absence of club captain Reece James. The Frenchman has been hugely impressive since joining the Blues last summer, but he still awaits his first goal for the club.

In the centre of defence, Levi Colwill could be partnered by Tosin Adarabioyo, who started against the Toffees in their last game and impressed. Colwill has started 16 of Chelsea's 17 league games this season, while Tosin has stepped in to replace the injured Wesley Fofana in recent weeks.

Marc Cucurella has scored in each of his last two games – against Brentford and Shamrock Rovers – but missed the Everton match due to suspension after being sent off against the Toffees. He also donned the captain's armband in the latter stages of the win against Shamrock, and appears to be quickly becoming a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

Midfielders
In midfield, Romeo Lavia has been ruled out of the game, but Moises Caicedo could line up alongside Enzo Fernandez. Caicedo has been used at right-back when out of possession in recent weeks, but he is set to return to midfield for the visit of the Whites. Fernandez, meanwhile, has scored three times and provided seven assists in his last eight games across all competitions, captaining the Blues in the last six league matches.

Talisman Cole Palmer will once again start in an advanced midfield role, where he will hope to add to his combined tally of 17 goals and assists in as many Premier League games this term.

Forwards
In attack, Noni Madueke could start on the right. The Englishman has scored and provided three assists in his last five league games, and he will hope to get on the scoresheet again amid ongoing competition for the starting spot on the right of Maresca's attack.

Through the middle, Nicolas Jackson is in line to start once again. His next goal will be his tenth in the competition this term.

On the left, Pedro Neto is in line to start in the absence of the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk. Jadon Sancho will also be available, but may have to settle for a place on the bench.



https://www.shoot.co.uk/chelsea-v-fulham-predicted-blues-line-up-for-west-london-derby/

[Fulham 442]

Fulham boss Marco Silva says Chelsea actually have a really 'quality player' in their ranks
Both Marco Silva and Enzo Maresca will be determined to hand Fulham and Chelsea fans respectively a Christmas present as the two sides meet each other on Boxing Day.

Chelsea are overwhelming favourites heading into the fixture, especially given the fact that the game is at Stamford Bridge.

Furthermore, Enzo Maresca will be hoping that the Blues can bounce back after their 0-0 draw against Everton.

Chelsea were rather flat against Sean Dyche's side and on the day, Robert Sanchez and Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps saved the visitors' blushes at Goodison Park.

Adarabioyo has a chance to reunite with his former club Fulham on Thursday.

Ahead of the contest, Marco Silva was quizzed about the Englishman.

Marco Silva hails "quality" Tosin Abarabioyo ahead of Chelsea vs Fulham on Boxing Day
The Fulham boss lauded Adarabioyo's performances in a Chelsea shirt while also praising his character during his latest press conference. Eddie Howe was surprised Adarabioyo signed for Chelsea considering he had a face-to-face meeting with him about a move to Newcastle United, with the defender making a last-minute move to Enzo Maresca's side.

Marco Silva said via BeanymanSports2: "He was so important in three seasons with us. I think he did improve really and it's nice to see him. It's going to be nice to see him there of course during the game, he's going to try to win, we're going to try to win as well."

"But [he] was a good professional, a good lad, always open to learn and a quality player and because he's a quality a player is the reason why he's playing for Chelsea and doing so well, that's it, it's going to be a good thing."

Adarabioyo rejected Manchester United as he had already given his word to Enzo Maresca about putting pen to paper for Chelsea.

Chelsea initially questioned Tosin Adarabioyo transfer
A claim emerged in September that Chelsea questioned why they signed Adarabioyo after he was named on the bench in their first three Premier League games.

The Blues are believed to have wondered why they completed a deal for the former Manchester City centre-back but went on to loan Trevoh Chalobah out to Crystal Palace.

But in their last four league outings, Adarabioyo has started.

It seems like the 25-year-old is finding his feet at Chelsea and after his commanding display at the heart of the defence against Everton, he seems likely to start against Fulham as well.

Enzo Maresca will especially value Adarabioyo if he keeps up his consistency and proves to be a reliable deputy in Wesley Fofana's injury-enforced absence.



https://tbrfootball.com/fulham-boss-marco-silva-says-chelsea-actually-have-a-really-quality-player-tosin-adarabioyo-in-their-ranks/

Strange to hear Marco speaking so highly about Tosin given his refusal to sign a new contract and what a lot of Fulham fans perceived to be a poor attitude whilst playing for us. The Fulham faithful are making their feelings about him known whenever he touches the ball!