Fulham vs Chelsea betting preview: Odds and predictions

FOLLOWING a miserable start, the pressure is already growing on Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino so is a west London derby what the doctor ordered?

Fulham vs Chelsea odds

Here are the latest match odds for Fulham vs Chelsea odds from our top-rated football bookies:

Quick betting tips for Fulham vs Chelsea

• Under 2.5 goals – 5/6 at Spreadex
• Raheem Sterling over 2.5 shots – 5/4 with bet365
• Joao Palhinha first player carded – 9/1 with William Hill

Fulham vs Chelsea betting preview

Mauricio Pochettino was supposed to bring a wind of change to Stamford Bridge but there’s been barely a breeze so far.

It’s one win, three defeats and just five goals in the Premier League for the Blues. Look further back and no side has won fewer points than Chelsea in 2023 (bar the promoted/relegated clubs).

There are glimmers of hope in the data though.

Their expected-goals figure is more than double that five-goal tally which suggests that sooner or later they are going to start finding the net much more often.

While that data makes you wonder whether it’s worth getting them onside now, it’s hard to be confident about them at around even money in an away derby which they go into without suspended main striker, Nicolas Jackson, not to mention a host of injured players. As ever, price is king.

Whether Fulham are good enough to take advantage is open to question though.

They may sit in mid-table but they’ve also scored only five goals, while their expected goals against (xGA) tally is above 13 from their six matches so far.

They have won twice but those victories came against Luton and Everton – and the latter dominated at Goodison and should never have lost.

Instead, other bets look worthy of consideration, starting with under 2.5 goals given the goal-shy nature of both teams.

We’ve also got a 9/1 shot for you – read on for the full bet suggestions.

Fulham vs Chelsea key stats

• Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto are both suspended for Chelsea, who also still have numerous players sidelined through injury, including Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Romeo Lavia and long-term victim Christopher Nkunku.
• Fulham have Tosin Adarabioyo and Adama Traore ruled out, while Kenny Tete faces a late fitness test.
• Chelsea’s expected goals figure is 6.83 higher than their actual goals tally – the widest gap in the Premier League.
• Meanwhile, Fulham have conceded 10 goals whereas their expected goals against (xGA) tally is 13.12 – only West Ham have a wider such gap.
• Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha set a Premier League record for cards last season, receiving 14. He already has two this season.

Fulham vs Chelsea best bets

Under 2.5 goals

Chelsea’s struggle for goals has been well documented, while Fulham have scored only two in their last three games, under 2.5 landing in their last two (against Luton and Crystal Palace).

The visitors’ last four in all competitions have delivered for backers of this bet.

The history of this derby is also good for the bet with 11 of the last 15 meetings of the west London pair seeing two or fewer goals.

Back under 2.5 goals at 5/6 at Spreadex

Raheem Sterling over 2.5 shots

With regular centre forward Nicolas Jackson suspended, Raheem Sterling is being widely tipped to start as a ‘false nine’ for Chelsea.

They should mean he’s in better shooting positions but even if he doesn’t start in that role, his shots numbers of late suggest he’s capable of earning a profit for over 2.5 shots backers.

He’s landed this in three of his last four games so odds-against about one of the brighter spots of a disappointing Chelsea team this season looks a good bet.

Back Sterling over 2.5 shots at 5/4 at bet365

Joao Palhinha first player carded

For those seeking a bigger price, Palhinha being the first man in the book looks worth a punt.

Palhinha was carded no fewer than 14 times last season – a Premier League record. After two more in four Premier League games this term, he’s 6/4 to pick up another here.

However, you can get 9/1 about him being the first-carded player, something he’s managed seven times in those 16 matches in which he’s been booked. Six of those cards have come inside the first 30 minutes.

Bet on Palhinha to be the first player carded at 9/1 at William Hill

 How to watch Fulham vs Chelsea

• Location: Craven Cottage, London, England
• Time: 20:00 BST on Monday, October 2
• Where to watch: Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.