Yahoo Sports Maresca drops 22y/o in two key changes: Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham
Chelsea will host Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day in what promises to be a mouth-watering Premier League clash.
The fixture pits Enzo Maresca’s Blues against Marco Silva’s Cottagers in a west London derby, as both teams aim to shake off their recent frustrations following goalless draws.
Chelsea were held by Everton at Goodison Park, while Fulham missed the chance to secure three points against struggling Southampton.
The Toffees set up to frustrate Chelsea, using all the dark arts to stem the typically rampant Blues. They managed to stifle Cole Palmer, but Maresca should have subbed him off for Joao Felix. The Italian was criticised for his in-game management, but the Blues cannot complain much about a coach that has them in second place at Christmas.
Despite their draw on Sunday, Chelsea are in fine form, boasting a 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their last defeat came at the hands of Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup in late October.
Head to head
Chelsea are clear favourites for the Thursday showdown. Fulham have only won one game against Chelsea in their last 24 Premier League meetings. That win came last year at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea have won five of their last six meetings at Stamford Bridge, with Fulham failing to score a single goal in any of those clashes. The Cottagers have won just eight games against Chelsea since 1910 (D23, L47).
Silva hasn’t fared much better in his managerial career against Chelsea, winning twice in 10 attempts (D2, L6).
Team news
Chelsea have been dominant in this fixture over the past few years. However, injuries have dealt Chelsea a challenging hand.
Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Romeo Lavia remain unavailable. Lavia is progressing well, Maresca confirmed. He is not ready to return just yet.
“Much, much, much better. Already on the pitch working but not ready for this game,” said the Chelsea boss.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham
In their absence, Robert Sanchez is expected between the posts, with Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella forming the backline. Cucurella is back from his suspension.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will anchor the team, while Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho add creative flair behind striker Nicolas Jackson.
Noni Madueke should continue as a substitute after an egregious cameo from the bench against Everton.
(4-3-3): Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
