Premier League: Two Halves of West London

Chelsea vs Fulham

Two of west London’s finest are all set for a Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime. It’s a fixture which has always intrigued this SBOTOP onlooker because of the difference between the two clubs.

In the blue corner, the nouveau riche – the swagger and, often, a pretentiousness regularly witnessed since new money began to be lavishly thrown about once Roman Abramovich walked into town in 2003 and changed the landscape of English football forever (long before financial regulations came into play).

In the white corner, the more down-to-earth approach, old school and a charm as you approach Craven Cottage (their home since 1896, apart from two years when they ground shared with QPR due to renovation) with a gentle stroll by the Thames.

The difference may be stark, but it all adds up to the potential for Premier League 2025 highlights this weekend.

 

Talking Points

Fulham will be the first to admit that they have work to do before the transfer window shuts next Monday, and manager Marco Silva is on record as saying he is aiming for three new signings after a summer in which the club has so far bought no one apart from back-up keeper Benjamin Lecomte.

They showed glimpses of their talent in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United last Sunday, but the contest also showed their squad needs depth if they are to repeat last term’s 11th-place finish.

By contrast, Chelsea have been relentless in the market once again.

As illustrated in these pages, the jury is very much out as far as I am concerned, as I didn’t really rate their achievements all that highly last season.

Sure, they qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League and then went on to win the Europa Conference League, but given their financial outlay over the past three years, that is a pretty mediocre return.

Rather than label them as “flat-track bullies”, however, I was more impressed with their success in last month’s Club World Cup Championship.

So, now is the time to start accurately judging Chelsea under the Italian Enzo Maresca and to see just how good, or otherwise, they really are.

As starting points go, they showcased their undoubted ability against their old rivals from east London last time out.

After falling behind to West Ham, Maresca’s side turned on the style and hit five goals, all without star man Cole Palmer, who sustained an injury in the warm-up. They will hope to have him back as they prepare to entertain Fulham.

Despite spending like no other club in world football over the past few years, I do not think Chelsea will be in title contention this term. They will, however, be at the sharp end of players who can sustain consistent form.

Joao Pedro has four goals and two assists in his first five competitive matches since joining Chelsea from Brighton for £55 million, while midfield duo Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have shown impressive form in 2025.

 

History

In this corresponding fixture at Stamford Bridge last term, Fulham secured a memorable last-gasp win over their neighbours on Boxing Day.

Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time to complete an unexpected late turnaround – their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

Chelsea had led through Palmer’s 16th-minute opener until Harry Wilson’s 82nd-minute equaliser.

It was Fulham’s first win at Stamford Bridge since October 1979 in League Division Two when a 2-0 success was sealed with goals from John Beck and Gordon Davies.

It was also only the second time they had beaten Chelsea in 26 clashes.

Chelsea won 2-1 at Craven Cottage last Easter with a late show as Tyrique George and Neto netted twice in the final seven minutes after Alex Iwobi had put the Cottagers ahead.

Fulham have only defeated Chelsea twice on their own turf in the past 20 years.

The overall record stands at 13 Fulham victories, 53 Chelsea wins and 27 draws.

Fulham won the first-ever meeting 1-0 at Craven Cottage in December 1910 in League Division Two.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 betting odds may naturally lean towards Chelsea, but I am expecting a close encounter, given this is a west London derby.

A home win is priced 1X2 @ 1.46 and Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.17 with the draw on offer @ 4.12. For Fulham to emerge victorious once more, you can get odds of 1X2 @ 5.70 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.09.

A re-run of Boxing Day last year will pay out @ 20.00 with Correct Score.

Fulham have never won on consecutive visits to Stamford Bridge, and I am not expecting them to start now, although I am going to back them to make life difficult for their hosts.

   

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