Fulham and Chelsea renew rivalry at Craven Cottage tonight in the final fixture of the Premier League’s opening weekend.But pre-match talk will all be about the last two former Real Madrid managers in the respective dug outs. Xabi Alonso at Chelsea and Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham. Fulham vs Chelsea head to head overviewDate: Monday, 24th August 2026Kick-off: 8pmVenue: Craven CottageWhere to watch: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDChelsea vs Fulham quick tipsCole Palmer to score anytime – 13/8 with BOYLE SportsBoth teams to score – 4/6 with BetwayFulham or draw – 9/1 with BetfredOver 3.5 cards – 2/5 with BetwayFulham vs Chelsea prediction“…no friends and no past. We are fighting for 90 minutes.” That was Alonso’s response to on his relationship with former Liverpool and Real Madrid team-mate Arbeloa ahead of tonight’s West London derby.Fulham and Chelsea finished level on 52 points last term, Chelsea a place above Fulham only on goal difference. But now it’s a whole new era for both of the London rivals. Arbeloa’s two biggest signings have come from his connections at Los Blancos. Promising striker Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios have arrived at Craven Cottage this summer.The new Fulham gaffer’s build-up has been a mixed bag typical of a new regime bedding in fresh signings, and the head coach used a 2-1 friendly win over Stuttgart to test Calvin Bassey alongside Jorge Cuenca in central defence, a pairing that looks likely to open the season with Joachim Andersen banned for the opener.Alonso’s side won two, drew one and lost two of their final five friendlies, with a 3-0 win over AC Milan the highlight and defeats to Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur exposing work still to do. A 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad last weekend was the last audition before Monday, though several of the club’s World Cup players have had only a fortnight of full training.Fulham vs Chelsea betting tipsPalmer back on formChelsea fans will hope the signing of Morgan Rogers will unlock his long-time friend and former Man City academy team-mate Cole Palmer’s best form.The England playmaker was off the boil last season and didn’t make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. But with a new manager and some exciting signings through the door, it could all be set up for Palmer to shine once again.Both Palmer and Rogers playing in a two-pronged attacking midfield behind Joao Pedro could see Palmer begin with a bang. Goals and assists his favourite currency. Chelsea’s prime penalty taker too, we’re backing him to be an anytime goalscorer tonight. Fulham making a pointBoth sides won their home game last season, with Fulham snaring a 2-1 win over The Blues back in January.In the 2024/2025 season there were a pair of away wins, showcasing how unpredictable this rivalry has been, especially since 2023.Chelsea’s array of signings give an allure of grandeur – but could a home fixture under the lights, prove to be the making of Fulham on their opening night?The Blues may have the better season, but Fulham have got points in two of their last four home meetings with Chelsea. And that’s what we’re backing again at Craven Cottage this evening.Card gamesWhether it’s the most bitter or not. A derby game brings out an extra edge in both sets of fans and players alike.And if history is anything to go by, referee Peter Bankes could be in for a busy night.The last meeting between the two sides produced six yellow cards, with four in the fixture at Stamford Bridge.Going over the 4.5 mark may be a good value play if things get heated. Cole Palmer to score anytime – 13/8 with BOYLE SportsBoth teams to score – 4/6 with BetwayFulham or draw – 9/1 with BetfredOver 4.5 cards – 7/8 with Betway Fulham vs Chelsea predicted lineupsFulham expected lineup (4-3-3): Leno; Robinson, Bassey, Cuenca, Castagne; Iwobi, Palacios, Berge; King, Garcia, BobbChelsea expected lineup (5-1-3-1): Sanchez; Palestra, Lacroix, Colwill, James, Chavarria; Caicedo; Rogers, Palmer, Neto; PedroFulham vs Chelsea betting tips and predictions in the Premier LeagueFulham vs Chelsea latest oddsFind the latest Fulham vs Chelsea betting odds here. Odds are provided by BOYLE Sports and are subject to change.Fulham – 3/1Draw – 13/5Chelsea – 4/5Important historical facts about for Fulham vs Chelsea bettingChelsea have won 23 Premier League matches against Fulham, more than any other club except Man Utd (27) and Arsenal (26).Fulham have only beaten Chelsea three times in the Premier League era. (March 2006, Jan 2023 and Jan 2026)Chelsea have won 60.5% of Premier League meetings, Fulham have triumphed just 10.5% of the time. The rivalry dates back to 1910 when Fulham beat Chelsea 1-0 in a Division Two meeting.The two clubs met twice in two days over Christmas 1911. Fulham lost both 1-0 on Christmas Day and again on Boxing Day.Over the 95 overall competitive matches; Chelsea 54 wins, Fulham 14 wins, draws 27. More Premier League predictionsFind more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the Premier League, Champions League, Championship, League One and more!Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. 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