Fulham and Chelsea meet at Craven Cottage in a local rivalry where pride matters, but so do the points, with both sides still very much in the mix for their respective league targets.
Chelsea arrive sitting fifth and chasing a Champions League place, while Fulham, 11th, are unbeaten in five league matches and looking to push closer to the top half rather than drift into mid-table obscurity.
Both teams come into the fixture off morale-boosting draws against title contenders, and with recent head-to-heads often tight, the match shapes up as a key test of consistency for Chelsea and resilience for Fulham.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Fulham and Chelsea
To provide you with a comprehensive analytical edge, we have collated predictions from three of the most advanced AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each AI offers a distinct betting tip, presented clearly with its official logo for easy identification. For those wishing to delve into the specifics, each prediction can be expanded to reveal the detailed reasoning and data analysis that underpins the AI’s conclusion, offering a transparent look at how it assessed form, team news, and key statistics.
BTTS looks attractively priced given the attacking quality on show and Chelsea’s strong record of scoring on the road, even when results haven’t followed. Fulham remain a consistent goal threat at Craven Cottage, while injury issues and recent lapses at the back for both sides point to defensive vulnerability. With neither team reliable in shutting opponents out and both carrying multiple avenues to goal, the BTTS market offers clear value in what should be an open, competitive contest.
Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 has produced strong underlying numbers this season, with the Blues regularly dominating possession and passing accuracy, allowing them to dictate tempo and sustain pressure in the final third. They also spread their goals well across the squad, reducing reliance on a single finisher and making them harder to contain over 90 minutes. If Chelsea establish midfield control and force Fulham into prolonged defensive phases, the visitors have the tools to create enough high-quality chances to come away from Craven Cottage with all three points.
Over 2.5 goals is a strong angle given how both sides’ matches have been trending. Fulham continue to play on the front foot at Craven Cottage, which naturally opens games up and increases exposure in transition, while Chelsea’s attacking approach creates chances but often leaves space behind them. Neither defence has shown consistent control, with late goals and momentum swings becoming a recurring theme, and both teams carry enough quality to punish mistakes. With tempo, attacking intent and vulnerability on both sides, the game sets up far more like a goal-driven contest than a tight, tactical affair.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
Over 2.5 goals looks the standout bet based on form and underlying data. Fulham’s games have been increasingly open, with goals flowing at Craven Cottage and both teams scoring regularly, while Chelsea have found the net in 90% of their away matches but continue to concede, as shown by their last game at Manchester City. The numbers back this up: the head-to-head average sits close to three goals per game, both sides post xG figures above 1.4, and BTTS trends naturally support a higher goal line. With neither team convincing defensively and both carrying attacking threat, an open contest is the most likely outcome.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bet selections are the result of a sophisticated algorithm that analyses a wide range of football data points. Going beyond simple win/loss predictions, it considers factors such as recent team performance, head-to-head results, expected goals (xG), confirmed team news, and crucial home/away performance metrics. By weighing these variables against live market odds, the algorithm identifies bets that offer genuine value for this particular fixture.
An away win is justified by Chelsea’s superior ability to control games through midfield and sustain attacking pressure, which should allow them to impose themselves over 90 minutes despite Fulham’s home advantage.
Bet 2
Both Teams to Score — Our model leans towards Yes.
Both Teams to Score appeals because Fulham remain a reliable attacking threat at Craven Cottage, while Chelsea have scored consistently on their travels but rarely keep opponents out, making goals at both ends a likely outcome.
Over 2.5 goals is well supported by the way both sides approach games, with Fulham playing expansively at home and Chelsea prioritising attacking control over defensive caution, which regularly leads to open matches and chances at both ends.
Double Chance — Chelsea or Draw is a sensible angle given the visitors’ greater consistency and ability to control long spells of play, which reduces the likelihood of defeat even if Fulham remain competitive on home soil.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Fulham and Chelsea:
Harry Wilson is a strong anytime goalscorer candidate based on both output and shooting volume. He leads Fulham’s scoring charts with six league goals, averages 1.9 shots per game, and plays in advanced wide areas where he regularly cuts inside onto his stronger foot. With 17 appearances (including starts) and over 1,400 minutes played, Wilson is firmly trusted in attacking phases, while his additional four assists highlight consistent involvement in goal-threatening situations. Given Fulham’s willingness to attack at home and Wilson’s tendency to shoot frequently rather than rely on service alone, he offers clear value in the anytime goalscorer market.(Fulham)
Cole Palmer deserves serious consideration in the anytime goalscorer market due to his efficiency and consistent end product despite limited minutes. He has scored three league goals from just eight appearances, averaging 1.9 shots per game, which underlines his willingness to take responsibility in the final third. Palmer’s recent match history shows he continues to register goals and strong performance ratings across both domestic and European fixtures, including scoring against high-level opposition, which points to confidence rather than form inflated by weaker matchups.(Chelsea)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Fulham vs Chelsea
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04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Chelsea
30 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea2 : 2AFC Bournemouth
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea1 : 2Aston Villa
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Chelsea
16 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupCardiff City1 : 3Chelsea
13 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea2 : 0Everton
WINS3
DRAW2
LOSSES1
Average Stats (Last 6 Matches)
17 Total goals
50% BTTS
12 Goals scored
5 Goals conceded
67% Over 2.5
33% Under 2.5
30 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea2 : 2AFC Bournemouth
27 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea1 : 2Aston Villa
13 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea2 : 0Everton
30 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea1 : 1Arsenal
25 Nov 2025 –
Champions LeagueChelsea3 : 0Barcelona
08 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea3 : 0Wolverhampton Wanderers
WINS1
DRAW3
LOSSES2
Average Stats (Last 8 Matches)
17 Total goals
63% BTTS
8 Goals scored
9 Goals conceded
50% Over 2.5
25% Under 2.5
04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueManchester City1 : 1Chelsea
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueNewcastle United2 : 2Chelsea
16 Dec 2025 –
EFL CupCardiff City1 : 3Chelsea
09 Dec 2025 –
Champions LeagueAtalanta2 : 1Chelsea
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueAFC Bournemouth0 : 0Chelsea
03 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueLeeds United3 : 1Chelsea
Starting XI
4-2-3-1
Possible Lineup
12F. Jörgensen
34J. Acheampong
23T. Chalobah
5B. Badiashile
27M. Gusto
24R. James
8E. Fernández
41 Estêvão
10C. Palmer
7Pedro Neto
20João Pedro
Substitutes
44G. Stonina
4T. Adarabioyo
21J. Hato
50M. Merrick
17Andrey Santos
11J. Gittens
9L. Delap
38Marc Guiu
49A. Garnacho
Suspension
1Mykhailo Mudryk Doping ban
Injured
1Levi Colwill Knee injury
2Roméo Lavia Thigh injury
3Robert Sánchez Muscle injury
4Wesley Fofana Illness
5Marc Cucurella Hamstring injury
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Fulham vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record
30 Aug 2025 –
Premier LeagueChelsea2 : 0Fulham
20 Apr 2025 –
Premier LeagueFulham1 : 2Chelsea
26 Dec 2024 –
Premier LeagueChelsea1 : 2Fulham
13 Jan 2024 –
Premier LeagueChelsea1 : 0Fulham
02 Oct 2023 –
Premier LeagueFulham0 : 2Chelsea
30 Jul 2023 –
Club FriendliesChelsea2 : 0Fulham
03 Feb 2023 –
Premier LeagueChelsea0 : 0Fulham
12 Jan 2023 –
Premier LeagueFulham2 : 1Chelsea
League Games at Fulham
Fulham
Chelsea
Goals: Scored35
Games: Scored2/33/3
Clean Sheets0/31/3
League Games at Chelsea
Fulham
Chelsea
Goals: Scored26
Games: Scored5/54/5
Clean Sheets1/54/5
Current Best Betting Odds for Fulham vs Chelsea
When it comes to betting on this Premier League fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Fulham and Chelsea.
If you really want to see a return from our football betting predictions, Bet Builders are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection. These are risky, but when they land, the payout can be massive.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Fulham vs Chelsea clash:
Fulham to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2)
Chelsea to Score First + Fulham to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1)
Draw at Half-Time + Fulham to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Fulham vs Chelsea on 7 January 2026 at 7:30 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Both Teams to Score is a strong betting angle given the balance between attacking threat and defensive vulnerability on both sides. Fulham are consistently dangerous at Craven Cottage and rarely sit back, while Chelsea have scored regularly away from home but have struggled to keep clean sheets against teams willing to press and transition quickly. With both sides creating chances and neither defence fully convincing, goals at both ends look more likely than a one-sided or shutout outcome.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): The Total Goals market leans towards a higher-scoring game given how both teams’ matches tend to develop. Fulham’s home games are played at a good tempo with an emphasis on attacking width, while Chelsea’s approach prioritises chance creation over defensive control, often leading to open phases and momentum swings. With both sides generating regular shots and neither consistently managing games defensively, the overall goal count is well positioned to push beyond the lower lines.
Betting Angle (Home Advantage): Home advantage is a genuine factor for Fulham, as shown by their recent results at Craven Cottage. They have taken points off strong opposition, including draws against Manchester United and Liverpool, and pushed Manchester City in a nine-goal thriller, while also recording solid wins over Leeds, Brentford and Wolves. Fulham’s willingness to attack at home, combined with the crowd influence and familiarity of their surroundings, regularly makes them competitive regardless of the opponent, which reduces the margin for error for visiting sides like Chelsea.
Match Information:
Competition: Premier League
Stage: Premier League
Kick-off: 7 January 2026 at 7:30 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Fulham vs Chelsea
TV channel:
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Football Ultra HDR.
Online streaming:
Streaming is available on the Sky App and Now TV.
Free highlights:
Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports website, the Sky App, the official Premier League YouTube channel and later in the week on Match of the Day (BBC).
