FULHAM travel to Chelsea n Saturday's Premier League match-up. James Cantrill (@JimmyThePunt) shares his thoughts on the fixture.
Chelsea vs Fulham | Saturday 1st May 2021, 17:30 | BT Sport
Fresh from an invaluable midweek draw at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium in the UCL, Chelsea welcome Fulham in the EPL as their pursuit of a spot in the top four continues.
Thomas Tuchel will look to freshen up his starting XI here with next week's Champions League second leg with Real Madrid looming large. This will mean that veteran defenders Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta should get the weekend off, while the likes of Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic could also get a rest.
As for the visitors, Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have to sit this one out and this should see Ademola Lookman and Ivan Cavalerio supporting Josh Maja in attack.
Since Thomas Tuchel’s reign at Stamford Bridge began back at the end of January, no side has conceded fewer goals (eight) and only the Champions elect Man City have won more points! Therefore, it comes as no surprise to see that the hosts are priced around 4/9 to secure the three points here.
Even though the Cottagers head to Stamford Bridge boasting an incredible away record in 2021- played nine, lost one- I cannot see past a result for the hosts. Since the Barvarian came to England, Chelsea have only conceded eight and have kept clean sheets in 71% of the 14 EPL games he has overseen. Therefore, at 13/10 with Bet365, Chelsea to Win and BTTS No could be a good way in here.
I also like the look of a Mario Lemina card at 5/1 with Bet365, the same angle is as short as 13/5 with William Hill. Fulham’s central midfielder has only racked up three cards in 16 starts for Scott Parkers side, however, two of those have come in his last six appearances. It is also worth noting that during that time, he committed six fouls vs Aston Villa yet somehow avoided punishment.
Best Bets
Chelsea vs Fulham – Chelsea to win and Both Teams To Score ‘No' (13/10 Bet365)
Chelsea vs Fulham – Mario Lemina to be carded (5/1 Bet365)
