Fulham conclude the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season with a West London derby against Chelsea.
Fulham will look to build upon their 11th-placed finish of last season following Marco Silva’s departure this summer, which led them to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
Chelsea too have undergone a managerial change this summer as Xabi Alonso takes the reins after a disappointing 10th-placed finish last season, which saw them and Fulham both miss out on European qualification by a single point.
Team News
Fulham’s Joachim Andersen is serving the last of a three-match ban following his red card against Bournemouth in May.
Tom Cairney is ruled out until mid-October after he needed surgery on a knee injury during pre-season.
Chelsea will be without defender, Wesley Fofana as he serves a two-match ban following his red card in a 2-1 loss at Sunderland on the final day of last season.
Jordan Henderson (wrist) and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) are ruled out, but Aaron Anselmino, Mamadou Sarr and Danny Welbeck face late fitness checks due to knocks.
When is Kick-Off?
Fulham host Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 24 August at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Fulham have claimed 10 points in their last eight league meetings against Chelsea (W3, D1, L4).
- Chelsea have won two of their last four visits to Fulham (W2, L2).
- Fulham kept a single clean sheet in pre-season (W2, D2, L2).
- Joao Pedro scored seven of Chelsea’s 16 goals in pre-season.
Prediction
With Silva having left this summer upon expiry of his contract and having also lost quality players in Issa Diop, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, Fulham now face a tough task to replace their impact on the team but their young new signings will need time to bed in to the club.
Chelsea meanwhile seem to have adapted well in pre-season to Alonso’s style and Joao Pedro in particular has found early form, but this will be their first proper test at a competitive level after a tough campaign last season of inconsistency and defensive sloppiness.
Throw in bragging rights and this will be a tough test but I do think that Chelsea have the early momentum needed to win this local derby.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Chelsea