Preview: Blues set for another London derby against Fulham | OneFootball

Chelsea host Fulham in another London derby as they look to build on their dominant display against West Ham.

After another chaotic transfer window at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea needed to respond to their slow start, marked by a goalless draw against Crystal Palace. They did so in style, dismantling a lacklustre West Ham side.

New signing João Pedro netted his first goal in Chelsea colours, while youngster Estêvão Willian made history as the club’s youngest-ever Premier League assist provider.

Further strikes from Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah silenced early doubts about Chelsea’s cutting edge in attack. Now, the Blues will be hoping for more of the same as they head into their third consecutive London derby.

Uncertainty in the Blues camp

The result at the London Stadium shows Maresca’s side continuing the good form that saw them lift the Club World Cup in the summer, and with their recruits up and running, they will be looking to push on as they aim for a top-four charge, or maybe more.

On Saturday, they face a Fulham side searching for their first three points after back-to-back draws. Cole Palmer remains a doubt for the game, which would prove to be a tough pill to swallow for the Blues; the Englishman is their main attacking provider and creator.

If he is absent, Maresca will have to turn to summer signing Liam Delap, Neto, Pedro, or even youngster Willian to provide the goals – something they managed with ease last weekend.

After ending last season on a high, beating Real Betis to win the Conference League and securing a top-four finish, the newly crowned ‘World Champions’ enter this campaign with high expectations. They will be eager to move on from the toothless display against Palace on the opening weekend.

Fulham’s strong start

Marco Silva’s side will also be looking to protect an unbeaten start to the season. Last time out, he saw his team claw back a point against Man United thanks to a late goal from Emile Smith-Rowe.

Silva’s side were more than worth the draw; they will count themselves unlucky not to come away with three points as they conceded a contentious goal through Lenny Yoro. They followed up that result with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bristol City in midweek in the Carabao Cup second round.

Inconsistency plagued Fulham last season, resulting in another midtable finish. Now, with a strong squad across the board, European competition will undoubtedly be on the minds of the manager and owners.

Injuries and Suspensions

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez scored in midweek; however, he will almost certainly relinquish his starting post to Brazilian Rodrigo Muniz. Bar a potential change up front, Fulham aren’t facing any major injuries in their squad.

With the Blues sweating over the fitness of star man Palmer, they also face injuries in other areas. Levi Colwill is a doubt for the entire season due to an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are also doubts for Saturday’s clash, leaving the blues light in the Centre defensive positions.

Player to watch: Joao Pedro

After grabbing his first Premier League goals in the Blue of Chelsea, new main man Pedro will be looking to carry on from both his impressive end of last season as well as his Club World Cup Campaign.

The Brazilian has registered six goals and three assists in his last 10 appearances for Chelsea and Brighton. Whether he features as a No.10 behind fellow summer signing Delap, or leads the line as a lone striker, Pedro looks well set to carry his strong form into the new season

Predicted Line-ups:

CHE: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap

FUL: Leno; Tete, Anderson, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, King, Smith Rowe; Muniz