Lineups, team news, confirmed starting teams as James starts among seven Blues changes
Chelsea face a huge west London derby on Sunday as they aim to end a disappointing week on a high and boost their hopes of Champions League qualification with a win at neighbours Fulham.
Despite the Blues progressing to the semi-finals of the Conference League – a competition they are widely expected to win – a 2-1 home defeat to Legia Warsaw in the second leg on Thursday led to Enzo Maresca’s team being booed off by the Stamford Bridge crowd.
SW6. 📌#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/1DnxnVkWH3
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 20, 2025
More concerning for Chelsea is their position in the hotly contested race for Champions League football, standing sixth and a point behind fifth-placed Manchester City immediately above them, with the top five in the Premier League qualifying.
You can follow the action with 101GreatGoals.com’s live updates from Fulham vs Chelsea, and we have you covered for the line-ups, team news and confirmed starting sides.
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Fulham lineup vs Chelsea
Fulham welcome back Harry Wilson on the bench following a foot injury that has kept the winger out since January.
Striker Rodrigo Muniz is not in the matchday squad, with Raul Jimenez the hosts’ targetman.
Marco Silva’s men are only six points behind Chelsea and can still afford to harbour at least slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Consistency has been an issue for the Cottagers, having followed up a stunning win over champions-elect Liverpool with defeat at Bournemouth.
But with other home victories over Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham and a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Craven Cottage on their record this season, Fulham should have no fears about hosting Chelsea in arguably the most significant west London derby of the Premier League era.
Home. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/my5fkVhZXm
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) April 20, 2025
Fulham starting XI: Leno, Tete, Anderson, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic, Berge, Pereira, Iwobi, Jimenez, Sessegnon
Subs: Benda, Cuenca, Castagne, Reed, Cairney, Wilson, Adama, Willian, Vinicius
Chelsea lineup vs Fulham
Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia is on the bench following his recovery from a muscle injury, while the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill return among seven changes after being rested against Legia.
Perhaps the most surprising player to stay in the starting line-up is Reece James, whose fitness has been a familiar cause for concern and management.
Maresca’s men have let points slip in each of their last two league games, following up a 0-0 draw at Brentford with a 2-2 draw at home with third-bottom Ipswich Town, with Chelsea forced to come from 2-0 down to claim a share of the spoils.
Chelsea starting XI: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Badiashile, Gusto, Acheampong, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George
