Free betting tips and match preview: Premier League - Fulham v Chelsea
Scott Parker takes charge of his first game as Fulham manager, although Tom Carnduff is expecting victory for Chelsea.
Recommended bets
2pts Both teams to score in the second-half at 12/5
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Fulham v Chelsea (Craven Cottage, 1405 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event)
Claudio Ranieri's short time at Craven Cottage came to an end on Thursday as Fulham opted to sack the former Premier League winner as they remain in the relegation zone.
The Cottagers are ten points adrift of safety with just ten games to go. They've only managed four wins in 28 attempts, showing why they are a side who seem destined for the drop.
There is always the possibility of a revival under Scott Parker. The former midfielder is taking his first steps into management by taking caretaker charge, and he'll be hoping he can steer them towards an unlikely survival.
In Chelsea, they take on a side who seem rejuvenated despite the pressure mounting on Maurizio Sarri. They were defeated on penalties in the Carabao Cup final, despite a positive performance against Manchester City, and followed that up with a 2-0 win over Tottenham last time out.
Their away form has been questionable but even then they should have enough to get past a struggling Fulham outfit. Victory could well move them back into the top-four, which alongside the Europa League, is a major focus point for this season.
Despite the pressure being on Parker, ex-Fulham striker Barry Hayles has given him his backing and said he could replicate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's fortunes at Manchester United.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said "I can't see why not. He's a young, fresh manager with new ideas. First and foremost he's got to sort out the backline.
"The way that Scott Parker played, he had a bit of bite, and I think this Fulham team have been lacking that throughout the season.
"Darren Moore was at a similar situation at West Brom. He went down with them and made them a good solid outfit who can maybe bounce back (to the Premier League). So why can't Fulham do that too?"
He may have to wait for that first victory, if he does get one, with another disappointing afternoon expected at the Cottage.
Betting guide
Score prediction: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea (Sky Bet odds: 15/2)
It should be a Chelsea win, and while it will be a disappointing result for Fulham, you can ask what Parker could bring and if it'll get a lift out of the players. This is an expensive squad of players with some top talents throughout, so when we hit 'do or die' time, they might be able to do it. We're likely to see positive spells of Fulham play, but the Blues will want to build on that positive result against rivals Spurs in midweek.
Best bet: Both teams to score in the second-half at 12/5
An interesting bet and one worth backing at a best price of 12/5. Five of Fulham's last seven home league games in which they have scored have seen goals in the second-half, while the same can be said in four of Chelsea's last five scoring-away games. We should expect to see goals in this one and it's worth being patient and backing the majority to come in the latter 45 minutes.
Goalscorer bet: Pedro to score anytime at 9/4
He has eight goals to his name this season, alongside a further three assists. Pedro has been Sarri's first choice on the right-wing and has put in a number of positive performances. He scored in the win over Tottenham, but his efforts in both defence and attack were the most eye-catching. A best to consider at a general price of 9/4.
Opta facts
- Fulham have won just one of their last 32 league meetings with Chelsea (D12 L19), beating them 1-0 in the Premier League in March 2006.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games against Fulham (W10 D7). Only against Tottenham (28) and Everton (18) have they had longer unbeaten runs in the competition.
- Fulham have lost all nine of their Premier League London derby matches this season – they could become the first team in top-flight history to lose 10 such matches in a single campaign.
- Chelsea have lost two of their four away London derby matches this season (W1 D1). They last lost three away London derbies in a single Premier League campaign back in 2001-02.
- Fulham have lost seven of their last eight Premier League games, conceding at least twice in all eight matches.
- Chelsea have lost their last three Premier League away games by an aggregate score of 0-12. They last lost four in a row on the road in December 2000 (a run of five).
- Fulham have conceded more goals in both the first half (32) and second half (31) of Premier League matches this season than Chelsea have in total (29).
- Chelsea are looking to keep four consecutive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since December 2016.
- Fulham’s Andre Schurrle scored a hat-trick the last time the Cottagers hosted Chelsea in the Premier League, doing so for the Blues in a 3-1 victory.
- Half of Chelsea forward Pedro’s Premier League goals this season have come in London derbies (4/8).
Odds correct as of 1100 GMT on 01/03/19. Links automatically add selection to your Sky Bet betslip.
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