Chelsea v Fulham Betting – Premier League Monday

Stamford Bridge
Monday, 28 December 2009
Kick-off: 3 pm

Chelsea are a team which, at the moment, needs some confidence to be breathed back into them. Following their 0-0 draw with Birmingham, and Manchester United’s struggling win over Hull, the London Blues have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League reduced to just two points. It is all adding to the unpredictable nature of the Premier League this year, but what is most surprising, is that even though Chelsea and Manchester United are not having as strong seasons as one would expect, it is still odd that they can manage to lead the way at the top. Even with the topsy-turvy season going on, you would still expect things to come down to a showdown between Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea, by their high standards, are having a very poor December, picking up only one win so far. They have managed to hold onto Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel for another match before they head off to the African Cup of Nations, and other would-be participant, Michael Essien, won’t be available anyway as he still out injured. Once Drogba leaves, Chelsea may struggle up front, as Nicolas Anelka is one the sidelines injured, which leaves only youngster Daniel Sturridge, who got a start on Boxing Day, to lead the front line.

Fortunately for Chelsea, it looks like there is not too much to tweak and fix. They created ample chances against Birmingham, and perhaps luck and a little accuracy which comes from confidence, is missing a little at the moment. They looked a little nervy, but ready to break out into a convincing win, the likes of which they were finding in November.

Neighbours Fulham are having a good run of form at the moment, with the experience of Roy Hodgson at the helm. This is the Fulham side which made Manchester United look less than ordinary, when they beat the Red Devils 3-0 a couple of weeks ago. Following a successful Europa League campaign in qualifying for the last 32, Fulham put in assured away performance to gain a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane against Tottenham on Saturday. If they could put another feather in their cap by beating Chelsea, they would be well amongst the dogfight for a top six spot.

The two sides have already come into contact with one another this season, when Chelsea left Craven Cottage with a comfortable 2-0 win back in August. Fortunately again, one thing on Chelsea’s side, is their home form this season, their very good record against Fulham, and Fulham’s less than ideal away form in the Premier League this year. Fulham have not won away from Craven Cottage since the first fixture of the new season. Since then, they have drawn four and lost three. Chelsea have only dropped two home points this season, in a crazy 3-3 draw against Everton earlier in December.

Can Fulham pay Alex Ferguson a kind favour after inflicting such punishment on them? They could hand the lead back to Manchester United if they can beat their neighbours Chelsea. It is surprising to be at this point, and to see this being such an important fixture.

BETTING STATS

Last 5 Head to Head
Fulham 0, Chelsea 2
Chelsea 3, Fulham 1
Fulham 2, Chelsea 2
Fulham 1, Chelsea 2
Chelsea 0, Fulham 0

Last 5 Matches Goals
Chelsea – 7 For, 6 Against
Fulham – 6 For, 2 Against

Last 10 Games
Chelsea – W6, D3, L1
Fulham – W4, D5, L1

Win Percentage
Chelsea have an 88.9% win percentage at home this season
Fulham have a 12.5% win percentage away from home this season.

Match Prices:
Chelsea to win: 2/5 at Bet365
Draw: 19/5 at William Hill
Fulham to win: 9/1 at Victor Chandler

Betting Advice: Chelsea are going to get over their December slump at some point. They have to, and they will. They have a great record against Fulham in this fixture, and it could be a last blow out for Drogba before he heads off to play for his country. They need something to settle them at the moment, and they haven’t been winning games they should have been, for one reason or another. It could have been worse for them on Saturday, it could have been a lot better.
Fulham +1.25 Asian Handicap – 41/40 at Bet365