A fiery West London derby between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge awaits the Premier League fans. 

This Saturday lunchtime kickoff has all the makings of a thrilling contest with both sides eager to return to winning ways,

It's been a disappointing start for the Blues, but a win over their neighbors would provide a timely boost. Chelsea come into this one really needing to get their season back on track.

Fulham have exceeded expectations so far on their Premier League return. But manager Marco Silva will want to get one over his former club here. 

Overall, this promises to be an exciting encounter. Who would prevail at Craven Cottage? 

Chelsea vs Fulham

The match will take place on Tuesday, 3rd October, 2023, at Craven Cottage.

Fulham Lack Cutting Edge Against Palace

Fulham enjoyed the bulk of possession and created the better chances, but lacked the finishing touch. Manager Marco Silva would have been frustrated they couldn't capitalize on promising openings.

The lack of cutting edge was evident with Aleksandar Mitrovic sold late in the transfer window. Fulham sorely missed his clinical finishing in the final third.

Willian a Lone Bright Spot

The main threat for Fulham came from ex-Chelsea winger Willian. In the first half and throughout the game, Willian looked their most likely source of creativity and openings.

His driving runs and quality delivery from wide areas posed problems. But with Jiménez misfiring, Willian's good work went unrewarded as he lacked options in the box.

Jiménez Squanders Big Chance

New striker Raul Jiménez had Fulham's best opportunity but was denied by Sam Johnstone's excellent save. It was a big moment which could have broken the deadlock before halftime.

Jiménez's all-round linking play was decent, but he couldn't provide the calm, composed finishing Mitrovic perfected. The Mexicans wait for a first Fulham goal.

Resilient Defense

Near the end, Palace tried hard to come up front. But Fulham fought hard to protect the goal line. Joao Palhinha led the defense who played determinedly.

The draw puts Fulham in a good spot in the league table thanks to the new players. 

Fulham showed they can grind out tight victories even without Mitrovic leading the line. Their new signings and resolute defending provide optimism going forward.

Fulham's reshaped attack has plenty of weapons that could punish a lapse in 

concentration from the Palace defense. 

Midfield Control Lacking

While Willian shone, Fulham's central midfield pairing of Reed and Palhinha couldn't impose themselves. This allowed Palace time and space to keep their shape.

Establishing control through the middle was key to Fulham's past success. But they were unable to seize that initiative this time around.

Blues Hit New Low After Villa Defeat

Chelsea's nightmare start to the season sunk to a new low after a 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa on Sunday. Where has it all gone wrong for the struggling Blues? Let's break it down.

Opening Brightly But Lacking Cutting Edge

The game started positively enough for Chelsea. New winger Mykhaylo Mudryk looked lively down the left and carved out some early chances. But young forward Nicolas Jackson lacked composure in front of goal, wasting two great opportunities.

Chelsea moved the ball neatly but lacked urgency and precision in attack. Without a proven striker, they struggle to finish off chances. It's clear the misfiring frontline is their Achilles heel.

Red Card Turns Tide Against Chelsea

Just after halftime, right-back Malo Gusto was sent off for a reckless lunge on Villa's Lucas Digne. Down to 10 men, the Blues retreated too deep and surrendered control of the match.

Despite having all the early play, Chelsea failed to make it count. And going a man down flipped the game on its head, allowing Villa to seize the initiative. Chelsea lost their composure after the red card.

Familiar Story of Frustrating Finishing

With Chelsea pegged back, Villa's winner felt inevitable. Ollie Watkins pounced on a mistake to rifle home what proved to be the winner.

Once again, Chelsea's lack of finishing quality cost them dear. Their expensive strikeforce of Aubameyang and Fofana made zero impact. The fans' frustration with the misfiring forwards is boiling over.

Long Road Ahead for Pochettino's Men

This was another demoralizing home defeat for Chelsea. With big money summer signings like Enzo Fernandez taking time to adapt, a quick fix looks unlikely.

As the pressure builds on manager Pochettino, restoring shattered confidence and finding a productive system will be huge challenges. After a £500 million spending spree, Chelsea's future looks uncertain. The road back to the top four could be very long indeed.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea predicted lineup: Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Conor Gallagher, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke

Fulham predicted lineup: Bernd Leno, Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Issa Diop, Kenny Tete, João Palhinha, Tom Cairney, Willian, Andreas Pereira, Harry Wilson, Raúl Jiménez

Key Battles

Robinson vs James

At left-back, Fulham's Antonee Robinson could have his hands full dealing with Chelsea's explosive right-back Reece James. James poses a constant threat bombarding forward, so Robinson must be positionally disciplined.

Caicedo vs Pereira

A pivotal duel in midfield could see Chelsea's powerful new signing Moises Caicedo face off against Fulham's Andreas Pereira. Caicedo shields the back four, but Pereira's dribbling skills could unbalance him.

Mudryk vs Tete

Mykhaylo Mudryk's pace and trickery make him Chelsea's dangerman. At right-back for Fulham, Kenny Tete must limit the Ukrainian's mazy runs and prevent him from cutting inside to shoot.

Conclusion

This match is too close to predict with both sides needing the win badly. No matter the result, this one should provide an exciting spectacle between two clubs desperate to bounce back.

This match could be won and lost in midfield. For Chelsea, new signings Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo need to control things centrally. 

But Fulham boast an industrious engine room led by Joao Palhinha. Whoever dominates in the middle should take the points.

Chelsea's struggles in front of goal are no secret. Expensive imports like Mudryk and Fofana have to start repaying their fees. 

This Fulham defense is capable of frustrating, so clinical finishing will be key if chances arrive.