Historically, Chelsea have held a commanding advantage over neighbors Fulham heading into their 2026–27 Premier League opener.
The Blues are five-time Premier League champions and have won 54 of 95 meetings between the sides, losing just 14.
Last season, however, the gap between them was much smaller. Chelsea and Fulham finished level on points, with the Blues only edging their neighbors on goal difference. Each side also won its home fixture, while Fulham actually conceded one fewer goal across the campaign.
Chelsea, though, look considerably more refreshed heading into the new season. With Xabi Alonso now in charge and new arrivals such as Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra and Maxence Lacroix adding quality, the Blues have also picked up preseason wins over Real Sociedad and AC Milan. Fulham, meanwhile, have managed just one preseason victory, against Stuttgart, under new boss Álvaro Arbeloa.
The new managers in the dugouts bring their own storyline. It was Arbeloa who replaced Alonso at Real Madrid last season, with the two Spaniards ready to put their close friendship on pause on Monday evening.
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