Fulham vs Chelsea Predictions

• Both teams scored in two of Fulham’s final ten league games of last season
• Just one of the last 15 meetings has been drawn
• Joao Pedro has scored seven goals in Chelsea friendlies this summer

Alonso can put Blues back on right road

Last season was a bit of a write-off for Chelsea after they won just two of their final 13 league games to finish a disappointing tenth, but new manager Xabi Alonso will feel he has plenty to prove and a big improvement looks likely for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

It is not surprising that they have splashed the cash this summer with Morgan Rogers the headline acquisition from Aston Villa, but it will be interesting to see what effect veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson will have on the dressing room.

Stability will be key and they should be expected to get off to a winning start against west London neighbours Fulham, who have had to cope with their own upheavals.

Goals a concern for new boss Arbeloa

The Cottagers got used to finishing in mid-table under Marco Silva, but the former Watford and Everton boss has departed to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, who was Jose Mourinho’s predecessor and Alonso’s successor at Real Madrid.

Arbeloa has brought reserve striker Gonzalo Garcia with him from the Bernabeu but he had just nine starts for Los Blancos last season and it may take him a while to get going.

That is a problem for a team who have lost Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez over the summer and, at this stage, Chelsea appear better prepared for the start of the action.

They should be taken to claim three points and, with questions surrounding who will provide a sustained threat for the Cottagers, a 2-0 away win appeals from a correct-score perspective.

Pedro has found some great form

One player who looks to know how to find the target is Chelsea’s Joao Pedro.

Not only did he score 15 goals in their Premier League campaign to forget, but he has also been on target seven times during pre-season.

Those statistics are immensely encouraging and it should not take him long to get off the mark.

Fulham vs Chelsea Bet Builder Tips

• Morgan Rogers to have 3+ shots: Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers averaged 2.3 shots per game for Aston Villa last season.
• Maxence Lacroix to commit 1+ fouls: Maxence Lacroix averaged exactly one foul per game for Crystal Palace last season. The Chelsea defender had five fouls in three games for France at the World Cup (two starts).
• Antonee Robinson to commit 1+ fouls: Fulham’s Antonee Robinson committed on average 0.7 fouls per game in the Premier League last season