Five Chelsea players are no longer at the club: line-up vs Fulham now looks very interesting,
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea vs. Fulham: Boxing Day Derby Preview
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea team is gearing up for an exciting Boxing Day clash against their local rivals, Fulham, in what promises to be a high-stakes Premier League encounter.
Chelsea’s Current Form: Riding High Despite a Hiccup
Chelsea are in impressive form heading into this festive fixture, boasting five wins and a draw from their last six league matches. However, the Blues did falter slightly with a goalless draw against Everton on Sunday, which snapped their eight-game winning streak in all competitions. Despite this, Chelsea sit comfortably in second place on the Premier League table during the Christmas period.
Fulham’s Resilient Campaign
Fulham, on the other hand, find themselves in ninth place. With one win, four draws, and a single defeat in their last six league outings, Marco Silva’s side has been tough to beat but lacks the consistency to climb higher in the standings.
Injury Update: Romeo Lavia Absent
Chelsea will be without Romeo Lavia for this West London derby. However, Maresca still has a wealth of talent at his disposal, ensuring the Blues remain a formidable force for the Fulham showdown.
A Look Back: Chelsea’s Last Clash with Fulham
The last meeting between these two sides occurred on January 13, 2024, during the previous Premier League season. Chelsea narrowly edged out Fulham with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a penalty converted by Cole Palmer.
Since that game, Chelsea’s squad has undergone significant changes. Five of the players who started in that victory are no longer at the club, showcasing the evolution under Maresca’s management.
Chelsea’s Line-Up from the January Win
From the starting XI that day, the following players are no longer part of Chelsea’s setup:
- Djordje Petrovic
- Thiago Silva
- Conor Gallagher
- Raheem Sterling
- Armando Broja
Let’s explore where these former Blues are now.
Where Are They Now?
Djordje Petrovic (Strasbourg, Loan)
The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who competed for a starting role at Chelsea last season, is now spending a year on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
Thiago Silva (Fluminense)
Legendary center-back Thiago Silva, now 40, returned to his roots by rejoining Fluminense in Brazil. Interestingly, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has called Silva his best-ever teammate.
Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid)
The departure of academy graduate Conor Gallagher was a tough pill to swallow for Chelsea fans. The midfielder, who played 95 first-team games for the club, joined La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the summer, where he’s thriving.
Raheem Sterling (Arsenal, Loan)
Raheem Sterling’s switch to Arsenal on a season-long loan raised eyebrows. The 30-year-old has struggled to make an impact, scoring just once in 11 appearances. Steve Nicol even remarked that Sterling has “done zero” for the Gunners. Thankfully, Chelsea’s in-form wingers have softened the blow of his departure.
Armando Broja (Everton, Loan)
Armando Broja joined Everton on loan before the season began. The 23-year-old striker spent months recovering from injury but is now back in action, with two appearances under his belt for the Toffees.
Fulham Face a Revamped Chelsea Squad
Fulham will face a Chelsea team that looks vastly different from the one they encountered in January. With Maresca’s revamped squad and the Blues’ strong recent form, the upcoming derby promises to be an exciting clash full of festive drama.
