Chelsea and Fulham will meet in a London derby at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day as the Premier League resumes after the short winter break.

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back after their impressive five-game winning run was halted by a 0-0 draw against Everton last time out.

Enzo Maresca’s side remain second in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool, and will be aiming to keep the pressure on the Reds with a victory over their local rivals.

Fulham, meanwhile, will be hoping to end their winless streak. Marco Silva’s men have won just one of their last six league games and were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom club Southampton in their last outing. The Cottagers sit ninth in the table, two points off the European places.

Team News

Chelsea will welcome back Marc Cucurella from suspension, likely restoring the more orthodox back four that has served them well this season. However, Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Fulham could be without key midfielders Sasa Lukic and Sander Berge, who are both doubts. Emile Smith Rowe is also a major doubt after missing the Southampton game. Andreas Pereira will return from suspension.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez;

Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella;

Enzo, Caicedo;

Pedro Neto, Palmer, Madueke;

Jackson

Fulham (4-3-3):

Leno;

Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson;

Cairney, Pereira, Iwobi;

Wilson, Jimenez, Adama

With Chelsea’s strong home record against Fulham, the hosts will be confident of securing all three points and maintaining the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table. However, Fulham have proven to be a tough opponent this season and will hope to pull off an upset at Stamford Bridge.