Chelsea have been on a tremendous run since the last time we faced Fulham, losing just two games in all competitions and winning two trophies since Tyrique George equalized and Pedro Neto scored the late winner at Craven Cottage back in mid-April.
And we quickly got over the frustration of an opening day scoreless draw against Crystal Palace as well, with an absolute hammering of the Hammers last weekend, 5-1 at the London Stadium: our biggest ever away win against West Ham.
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Now, with deadline day looming and much of the attention focused on transfer market shenanigans, we have a great chance to keep this good form going bright and early on Saturday against a Fulham side who are still finding their feet a bit after a disappointing finish to last season.
Date / Time: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 12.30 BST; 7:30am EDT; 5pm IST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, SW6
Referee: Rob Jones (on pitch); Michael Salisbury (VAR)
Forecast: rain coming, but hopefully only after
On TV: TNT Sports 1 (UK); USA, Universo (USA); Star Sports Select HD1 (India); SuperSport Premier League, Canal+ Sport 3 (NGA); elsewhere
Streaming: discovery+ (UK); NBC Sports Live, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo (USA); Disney+ Hotstar (India); DStv Now (NGA)
Chelsea team news: Cole Palmer’s set to miss his second straight game with what’s still being called a “day-to-day” groin injury. He’ll have the international break to hopefully recover without this turning into any sort of lingering concern. Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile remain out as well. Meanwhile, Moisé Caicedo had been in limited training this week, but he’s been declared good to go for the game.
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The game will come a bit too soon for Alejandro Garnacho, who was already in the building on Friday, but not yet officially announced or registered. He probably won’t be the last new face to arrive this weekend, with Chelsea working on still more deals, both incoming and outgoing before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night. Christopher Nkunku and Aarón Anselmino (on loan) left in recent days, and others will likely follow, including Nicolas Jackson.
Estêvão, on his first start for the club, and João Pedro were among those who sparkled brightest last weekend, and hopefully they can keep the samba going at the Bridge.
Fulham team news: In the age of wheeling and dealing, Fulham have barely lifted a finger this summer, making exactly one signing, and that a veteran backup goalkeeper in Benjamin Lecomte from the French second division. Similarly, not many have left, with Andreas Pereira the only departure of impact. Fulham also opted not to extend Willian’s contract, with the veteran winger becoming a free agent again.
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Marco Silva did guide this team to a midtable finish last season — and for a while threatened to do even better — so perhaps they can keep developing from there. So far, they’ve managed just two 1-1 draws in the league, with Rodrigo Muniz scoring both goals. They did beat Brighton midweek in the League Cup, with both sides fielding well rotated sides.
Fulham have no injuries of note, with Harry Wilson the only doubt, facing a late fitness test.
Previously: It was a remarkable turnaround at Craven Cottage in April, and we’re still flying high on that emotion.