Monday Night Football brings us a London derby tonight, with Fulham hosting Chelsea at Craven Cottage as both clubs begin new eras under former Real Madrid managers.
Alvaro Arbeloa takes charge of Fulham following Marco Silva’s departure, while Xabi Alonso begins his first Premier League campaign after taking over at Chelsea.
There has been plenty of change on both sides of west London, but it is Chelsea who have really gone big this summer. After spending £348 million on their squad, expectations will be high for Alonso and his new-look team.
We’re backing the Blues to start with a victory in our MEGA 201.00 Bet Builder, alongside goals, shots, fouls and a card.
Our 201.00 Fulham vs Chelsea Bet Builder
- Chelsea to win
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Cole Palmer 2+ shots on target
- Morgan Rogers 2+ shots on target
- Moises Caicedo 2+ fouls committed
- Jorge Cuenca to be carded
Combined odds: 201.00
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.
Chelsea to Win
Chelsea endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing tenth, but there are plenty of reasons to expect a significant improvement this time around.
Alonso inherits a talented squad which has been strengthened heavily during the summer. Morgan Rogers adds another major attacking threat alongside Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, while Maxence Lacroix has joined a defence which also welcomes Levi Colwill back.
Fulham, meanwhile, are adjusting to life without Marco Silva and have lost several experienced players including Raul Jimenez, Sasa Lukic, Issa Diop and Harry Wilson.
With Joachim Andersen suspended and Tom Cairney injured too, Fulham could be vulnerable against a Chelsea side packed with attacking quality.
Both Teams to Score – Yes
We’re backing Chelsea to win, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a comfortable night for Alonso’s side.
His teams are known for playing ambitious attacking football with a high defensive line, and there could be some early vulnerabilities while Chelsea adapt to his system.
Fulham will have home advantage in a London derby and should get opportunities to test the new-look Blues defence. We’re backing them to find the net, but Chelsea to ultimately have too much at the other end.
Cole Palmer 2+ Shots on Target
Cole Palmer remains one of Chelsea’s biggest attacking threats, and he should be heavily involved at Craven Cottage.
Palmer managed three shots in Chelsea’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Real Sociedad and should have plenty of freedom to operate around the Fulham penalty area.
With Chelsea expected to see plenty of the ball, we’re backing Palmer to test the goalkeeper at least twice.
Morgan Rogers 2+ Shots on Target
We’re doubling up on Chelsea’s attacking talent by also backing Morgan Rogers for 2+ shots on target.
The £117 million summer signing impressed alongside Palmer against Real Sociedad, scoring and registering seven touches inside the opposition box.
Rogers has the ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas as well as provide a direct goal threat. If Alonso can get him and Palmer clicking together, Chelsea could have one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking combinations.
Tonight gives us our first proper look, and we’re backing Rogers to make his presence felt.
Moises Caicedo 2+ Fouls Committed
While Chelsea’s attackers take care of the shots, Moises Caicedo gives us our fouls selection.
The Ecuadorian committed 54 fouls across 34 Premier League appearances last season, and his role at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield regularly puts him into challenges.
A competitive London derby should give Caicedo plenty of opportunities to get involved, making two or more fouls an appealing addition to the Bet Builder.
Jorge Cuenca to Be Carded
Our final selection takes us into the cards market, with Jorge Cuenca to be booked.
Last season’s meeting at Craven Cottage was a fiery affair, producing six yellow cards and a red. Cuenca was one of the Fulham players booked that day.
The defender collected six cards despite playing only 938 minutes last season, and he should start tonight with Andersen suspended and Diop no longer at the club.
Facing the movement and pace of Palmer, Rogers and Chelsea’s other attacking options could leave Cuenca exposed, particularly if Fulham are caught during transitions.
Back Our 201.00 Fulham vs Chelsea Bet Builder
We’re going BIG for Monday Night Football with six selections combining a Chelsea victory with goals and player markets.
