A lunchtime west London derby kicks off matchday 3 in the 2025/26 Premier League season as matters on the pitch provide a distraction from a hectic finish to the summer transfer window with the deadline looming large on Monday night. Unchanged Chelsea remain without the injured Cole Palmer as they bid to make it back-to-back wins and continue their unbeaten start to the new campaign, having bounced back from a frustrating goalless draw with Crystal Palace to thrash West Ham last time out.
With imminent signing Alejandro Garnacho watching on, Enzo Maresca’s Club World Cup winners are full of confidence as they entertain their closest rivals, who claimed a dramatic point at Brighton on opening weekend before battling to an eventful draw with Manchester United and easing past Bristol City in the Carabao Cup.
New signings have been extremely difficult to come by at Craven Cottage so far this summer, leading to manager Marco Silva - who also names an unchanged team - expressing more public frustration at a lack of business and “wasted time”. Follow Chelsea vs Fulham live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Fulham latest news
- GOAL! Fernandez penalty after Sessegnon handball
- GOAL! Joao Pedro heads in before half-time
- King goal controversially ruled out for Fulham
- Delap forced off early with hamstring injury
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:37 , George FloodFull-time
Marco Silva with a face like thunder as the final whistle sounds.
Chelsea go top of the Premier League table for now with seven points from three games. Still unbeaten at home in 2025.
West London bragging rights in the bag, but those huge VAR controversies will dominate the headlines.
All eyes now on Silva’s post-match interview...
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:35 , George Flood98 mins: Some fine late defending from Chalobah and that should do it for Chelsea.
Time for one last flurry from Fulham but Berge has fouled Gusto.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:34 , George Flood96 mins: Lukic kicks the ball away in frustration after being penalised for a foul on Fernandez and has his name taken.
An afternoon of pure frustration for Fulham.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:31 , George Flood93 mins: Joao Pedro is fit enough to clear off the line and prevent Fulham from setting up a grandstand finish!
Andersen’s header from a corner had been flicked on from close range by Berge.
Caicedo is now down and Santos booked for taking out Wilson.
Jimenez’s woeful free-kick sails high into the stands.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:29 , George Flood91 mins: Another key injury concern here for Chelsea with Joao Pedro limping after a knock.
Enzo Maresca can ill afford that with Cole Palmer and Liam Delap out.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:27 , George Flood89 mins: James is urged by the Chelsea faithful to let fly from outside the box.
He obliges with a hopeful low drive that is held by Leno.
Another eight minutes of added time on the way after more VAR checks that took an age.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:24 , George Flood86 mins: Jimenez can’t connect properly with his header from an Adama cross and it’s well off target.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:23 , George Flood84 mins: Key late save from Leno to keep out a fierce strike from Joao Pedro.
The Brazilian already looks such a good signing for Chelsea.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:21 , George Flood81 mins: Fulham threaten again inside the last 10 minutes, but Caicedo is there to avert the danger once more for Chelsea.
Marco Silva sends on Adama Traore for Iwobi.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:20 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Understandably defensive changes from Maresca there, trying to close the game out for Chelsea. They'll go briefly top of the table if they do manage to win this match.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:19 , George Flood79 mins: Reece James and Andrey Santos both enter the fray with 10 minutes to go.
Neto and George go off.
Fernandez hands the captain’s armband to James.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:18 , George Flood78 mins: Jimenez is down inside the Chelsea box but no hint of a penalty there.
Fulham are seeing a lot of the ball again now, but doing little with it.
A hopeful cross sent in towards Lukic is overhit and sails behind for a goal kick, inviting another pair of Chelsea changes.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:15 , George Flood76 mins: A brief rally from Fulham inside the last 15 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
They earn a corner before penalty shouts for handball against Gusto are rightly waved away.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:13 , George FloodAnd here is the penalty from Enzo Fernandez...
Enzo makes no mistake from the spot and doubles Chelsea's lead 🎯
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Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:12 , George FloodHere is that handball decision by the way.
Right call or another big error?
You decide...
There's more VAR controversy as the ball strikes Joao Pedro's hand just moments before a handball is given against Ryan Sessegnon.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 30, 2025
Chelsea went on to score from the penalty spot ⚽
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Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:11 , George Flood72 mins: A frustrated Iwobi has a handful of Chalobah’s shirt and goes into the book.
Chelsea are absolutely dominating this game now and look dangerous every time they come forward.
Fulham have completely lost their way since the penalty.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:09 , George Flood70 mins: Another near-post flick-on from a Chelsea corner causes panic in the Fulham six-yard box.
Vital header from Jimenez at the back post.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:08 , George Flood69 mins: Chelsea are cutting through Fulham with ease now, Gittens earning a corner before Andersen has to clear behind to deny George.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:04 , George Flood67 mins: Jamie Gittens is coming on for Estevao for Chelsea.
Fulham send on Antonee Robinson and Emile Smith Rowe.
Sessegnon and King off.
Joao Pedro almost connects with a wicked delivery to the back post.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:03 , George Flood65 mins: Joao Pedro is nearly in again as Leno is forced to tidy up once more.
A third Chelsea goal is starting to feel inevitable.
Fulham look so deflated.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:01 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea in control now and they're passing it about themselves with a real air of calm.
This will be a very welcome victory for them if they get it over the line.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
14:01 , George Flood60 mins: Fulham are living very dangerously now as Leno comes to the edge of his box to avert the significant danger posed by Joao Pedro.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
13:58 , George Flood58 mins: A fine one-handed save low to his left from Leno denies Estevao.
Fulham have sent on Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez.
Castagne and Muniz off.
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
13:57 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Such an important goal for Chelsea, but a killer for Fulham, who absolutely don't deserve to be 2-0 down here. But them's the breaks.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Fulham | Enzo Fernandez (pen) 56'
13:53 , George Flood56 mins: Smashed down the middle from the Blues skipper and it’s 2-0.
Ball went in off the foot of Leno.
“2-0 to the referee” sing the Fulham fans.
A penny for Marco Silva’s thoughts...
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:52 , George Flood53 mins: PENALTY GIVEN!
No handball from Joao Pedro it’s ruled, but Sessegnon is punished for jumping with his arm up.
That was handball to be fair, but was Joao Pedro’s is the question?
Fernandez steps up...
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:49 , George Flood51 mins: Referee Rob Jones has once again been sent to the monitor by VAR Michael Salisbury.
This is going to be a penalty.
Marco Silva might literally explode in a minute.
Was there a handball from Joao Pedro first?
What a farce.
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:48 , George Flood50 mins: Chalobah’s cross hits the arm of Sessegnon, with Chelsea screaming for a penalty.
Caicedo’s follow-up effort is dragged wide of the back post.
VAR will look at that handball shout...
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:46 , George Flood47 mins: A bright start to the second period from Fulham as they quickly build more momentum and Muniz heads off target.
Iwobi causing Chelsea plenty of problems this afternoon.
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:44 , George FloodBack underway at Stamford Bridge, no changes from either manager.
Surely the second half won’t be as controversial as the first...
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:43 , George FloodThe Daily Mail report that Enzo Fernandez ran over to Chelsea fitness coach Marcos Alvarez after the half-time whistle and appeared to offer him the captain’s armband.
They also claim that Fernandez was shouting at the bench after Joao Pedro’s goal, with Andrey Santos out warming up.
Interesting...
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:41 , George FloodHere is that Josh King decision, by the way.
Not sure why the phrase ‘careless challenge’ was used...
Josh King's opening goal is disallowed for a 'careless challenge' after VAR review ❌
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Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:40 , George FloodFive goals already in Chelsea blue for Joao Pedro...
JOAO PEDRO SCORES AGAIN! 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 30, 2025
The Brazilian’s header puts Chelsea in front ⚽
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Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:35 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea get the opening goal on the stroke of half-time and it will so please Maresca that it's Joao Pedro who scored it.
He continues his stellar start to life at the club. Somehow, the hosts are ahead as the whistle goes for half-time.
Chelsea 1-0 Fulham
13:29 , George FloodHalf-time
An absolutely seething Marco Silva is waiting for referee Rob Jones before heading down the tunnel.
However, he is told to retreat to the dressing room with the official flanked by security.
He is raging.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Fulham | Joao Pedro 54'
13:26 , George Flood54 mins: A second corner in quick succession is on the money as Joao Pedro heads home!
Bassey caught out. Silva is furious again as we’ve played more than the eight minutes added on.
Really cruel for Fulham.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:25 , George Flood53 mins: Chelsea have another corner deep into first-half stoppage time after Chalobah’s effort is deflected behind.
Tosin catches Lukic as the two jostle for position in the box and both receive a stern word from the referee.
There’s a flick-on at the front post and a header from Muniz in there before Leno has to save from Caicedo at his front post.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:23 , George Flood51 mins: The excellent King wins the ball back high up the pitch for Fulham, but they can’t fashion another chance.
The home fans are starting to get restless.
Really sloppy from Chelsea so far.
They are being bossed in midfield.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:21 , George Flood50 mins: Lovely move from Fulham started with Lukic’s brilliant low pass.
Caicedo has to come across and make a crucial block to deny Castagne.
The corner is scrambled away and Chelsea counter through Gusto.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:19 , George Flood47 mins: Fabulous defending inside the box from Gusto as he nicks the ball away from King, who was shaping to shoot once more.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:18 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Searing burst of pace from Estevao, but the end product was lacking there. There was a pull-back to be tapped to Joao Pedro which he didn't spot.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:17 , George Flood46 mins: Sessegnon makes a good headed clearance at the back post after Joao Pedro’s cross intended for compatriot Estevao.
The offside flag is up.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:16 , George Flood44 mins: Fulham are livid with the referee again after he declines to give a foul and Andersen has to boot clear Estevao’s low cross rolled into the box.
We’re going to have a lot of stoppage time here after Delap’s injury and the disallowed goal.
Eight minutes.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:15 , George Flood43 mins: Chalobah now makes an important challenge to halt Fulham’s latest promising bout of momentum.
Berge and Lukic are impressing in midfield.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:14 , George Flood40 mins: Chelsea begin to ramp up a bit before half-time as they force a corner which Fernandez puts right in the six-yard box and Tosin heads over from close range.
That was a real chance, but replays show the ball actually rather bounced off his shoulder.
Bassey is down again after a battle with Joao Pedro.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:11 , George Flood39 mins: Just not happening for Chelsea in this first half as Neto’s free-kick is easily claimed by Leno.
A curious lack of intensity from the Blues so far given their utter dismantling of West Ham last week.
Nothing from the likes of Estevao, Joao Pedro or Neto so far.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:10 , George FloodThe official explanation on that massively controversial decision to disallow Josh King’s goal for Fulham...
#CHEFUL – 22’ VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 30, 2025
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Fulham.
Referee announcement: “After review, Fulham number nine commits a careless challenge, stands on the foot of the Chelsea defender, therefore we disallow the goal and we…
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:09 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
To be fair to the travelling (short-commuting) Fulham fans, they've just pulled out a cracking chant at Chelsea. Nothing about sacking, just: "YOU'RE GETTING SOLD IN THE MORNING".
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:08 , George Flood36 mins: A really frenetic pace to this game now as Tosin makes a crucial defensive intervention for Chelsea before Caicedo then chops down the impressive King and receives the first yellow card of the derby.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:07 , George Flood35 mins: Bassey is now down after being caught late by Estevao.
“We’ve got a foul” the Fulham fans chant ironically.
To say they are less than impressed with Rob Jones’ performance so far would be an understatement.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:06 , George Flood34 mins: Ironic cheers from the away end as Fernandez fires well off target.
Chelsea looking very lacklustre at the moment after a lively start, even with that huge let-off.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:05 , George Flood32 mins: Fulham have been much the better side here so far, make no mistake.
Joao Pedro went down clutching his face a few moments ago, but is fine to continue.
The Fulham fans continue to express their anger at the referee.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:02 , George Flood30 mins: Sanchez makes a point-blank save to deny Muniz after the striker meets a deflected cross from the left.
The offside flag goes up.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:01 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea have got away with one there. Muniz does back into Chalobah and steps on him, but none of it is intentional. Fulham are mightily unlucky. And so is young Josh King.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
13:00 , George Flood27 mins: Marco Silva’s rage on the touchline is not relenting as King tries his luck again.
This time Sanchez can save comfortably.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:59 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
I have never seen Marco Silva as utterly livid as he is right now after that disallowed Josh King opener.
He is giving the fourth official all manner of grief.
And whether it is just about a foul or just about not a foul, you can understand why he's so angry.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:56 , George Flood24 mins: Referee Robert Jones is told by VAR to consult the pitchside monitor and after what feels like an age, the goal is ruled out for what is deemed a careless act by Muniz on Chalobah.
He accidentally stood on his foot while trying to turn.
Marco Silva is rightly furious. That is so, so harsh.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:52 , George Flood21 mins: The visitors are in front!
Teenage star King collects a fine pass from Berge, sprints forward and checks inside Tosin before firing low beyond Sanchez.
But Chelsea want a foul for Muniz’s battle with Chalobah.
VAR will look at this...
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:51 , George Flood19 mins: Iwobi steers a low shot wide for Fulham with Sanchez at full stretch.
George looks to be playing up front for Chelsea at the moment, with Joao Pedro staying as the No10.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:48 , George Flood16 mins: Interesting to see how George gets on, with his future also up in the air ahead of deadline day after interest from Roma.
Surprised Gittens didn’t get the call.
Fulham waste the chance to deliver a free-kick into the box.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:45 , George Flood14 mins: Delap won’t continue for Chelsea.
It’s Tyrique George who is entering the fray.
Joao Pedro to move up top.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:44 , George Flood11 mins: Delap has not been moving well at all and is now down on the pitch receiving treatment.
He was clutching his right hamstring after trying to chase a difficult ball.
More bad news on the injury front for Chelsea.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:42 , George Flood9 mins: Chelsea almost get in behind the Fulham defence twice in quick succession, but the visitors just about hold firm.
Boos from the away end for ex-Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
Delap has pulled up twice here and looks to have picked up an early knock.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:38 , George Flood7 mins: Now Fulham pose their first real threat on the counter-attack, with centre-back Andersen of all people curling an effort wide.
If that had fallen to anyone else inside the box, Chelsea could have been in real trouble.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:37 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
That strikes me as a poor effort from Delap. He waited, and then failed to strike into the front post, which would surely have brought the opening goal.
Nerves perhaps, but he ought to have done better.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:37 , George Flood6 mins: The early pressure is mounting from confident Chelsea as a neat move leads to Cucurella teeing up Delap for a fierce drive inside the box that is deflected behind for a corner off Berge.
Chelsea go short and it’s a bit of a waste in the end.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:36 , George Flood4 mins: Fulham try to play out from the back again but this time are caught in Chelsea’s determined high press and Joao Pedro’s strike is well held by Leno.
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
12:33 , George Flood2 mins: A lively start as Fulham try to release Castagne in that right channel before Chelsea get forward and Delap gives away a first foul.
The pyrotechnic smoke has taken a while to fully clear.
Chelsea vs Fulham
12:31 , George FloodKICK-OFF
Underway at Stamford Bridge!
Who will claim bragging rights in this west London derby?
Here come the teams
12:28 , George FloodThe teams are out at Stamford Bridge, where a great atmosphere is building.
Both teams in their familiar home strips today, with Robert Jones the referee.
Michael Salisbury is on VAR duty.
Fulham out to repeat Stamford Bridge heroics
12:24 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
Fulham were the last team to beat Chelsea here at Stamford Bridge, doing so 2-1 on Boxing Day last season.
If they achieve victory again it'll back-to-back away wins in this west London derby for the first time in their history.
Teenagers Estevao and King bid to impress again
12:21 , George FloodIn his pre-match interview with TNT Sports, Marco Silva - who yesterday again was publicly critical of Fulham’s transfer approach - says he is expecting a “tough, tough game” and stresses the importance of Chelsea having had more than a full week to prepare, whereas his side were in Carabao Cup action in midweek.
All eyes will be on two teenagers today, with Estevao Willian having dazzled against West Ham and looking to follow that up on his maiden home Premier League start.
For Fulham, it’s a third consecutive start for Josh King, whose impressive form led to the Cottagers sanctioning the sale of Andreas Pereira this week.
Garnacho in attendance at Stamford Bridge
12:09 , George FloodAlejandro Garnacho’s £40m move from Manchester United to Chelsea is not yet officially confirmed, but the Argentine will watch today’s game from a box at Stamford Bridge.
“I know he is around here,” Maresca said on Garnacho yesterday.
“It's quite clear his position is a winger and I see him as a winger.”
Alejandro Garnacho is at Stamford Bridge ahead of his pending move to Chelsea 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 30, 2025
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Caicedo fit to start in key Chelsea boost
12:06 , George FloodMoises Caicedo being fit to start this afternoon is a key boost for Chelsea.
The Ecuador midfielder had looked to be a late doubt to face Fulham after Enzo Maresca revealed yesterday that Friday was the first time he had managed to train since the thumping win over West Ham last week.
The Blues boss believes it isn’t a coincidence that their three most-used players from last season are already struggling this term, having also had a busy summer at the Club World Cup.
“I don’t think that it is random that our three players with the most minutes last year were Levi, Cole and Moi [Caicedo],” Maresca said.
“Levi is injured, Cole too and Moi today only had his first training session since the West Ham game.”
Standard Sport's Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge
11:54 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Dom Smith is in position at Stamford Bridge and reacts to that team news.
No surprises with both rivals unchanged for this west London derby clash.
🗣️ "It is really important for Chelsea to continue to build momentum."@MrDomSmith looks ahead to today's west London derby at Stamford Bridge
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) August 30, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/WhZnvysGqd#CHEFUL pic.twitter.com/Xmh5TLWsk5
Fulham also unchanged from Manchester United draw
11:44 , George FloodFulham are also completely unchanged from last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, with Harry Wilson and Antonee Robinson both fit for the bench.
Marco Silva reverses all nine changes made for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Bristol City, with all of his regulars returning.
Chelsea unchanged from West Ham rout
11:35 , George FloodWith Cole Palmer still out, Chelsea are unsurprisingly unchanged from their 5-1 drubbing of West Ham last week.
Joao Pedro continues as the No10 behind centre-forward Liam Delap, with Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto completing a dangerous attack.
Malo Gusto keeps his place at right-back ahead of Reece James, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah continuing their defensive partnership.
The bench is unchanged too, with Tyrique George involved despite transfer interest from Roma.
Fulham lineup
11:21 , George FloodFulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Berge, Lukic, King, Iwobi, Muniz
Subs: Lecomte, Cuenca, Robinson, Reed, Cairney, Wilson, Adama, Smith-Rowe, Jimenez
Chelsea lineup
11:19 , George FloodChelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto, Delap
Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Fofana, James, Hato, Essugo, Andrey Santos, George, Gittens
Lineups on the way
11:17 , George FloodThe scene is set on a lovely sunny morning at Stamford Bridge, where official team news is on the way very shortly indeed.
Stay tuned...
Transfer frustration continues for Fulham
11:04 , George FloodIt’s been a very different transfer story indeed at Fulham, who have still only signed veteran back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte so far this summer with just three days until the window slams shut.
They are trying to sign the likes of Brazilian Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk and fellow winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan, while they continue to be linked with FC Basel’s Philip Otele and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, among others.
Yesterday, Andreas Pereira completed a £10m move to Palmeiras after three years and 119 appearances for Fulham.
Chelsea set to sign Garnacho and Buonanotte amid Fermin links
10:48 , George FloodToday’s game will of course come too soon for Alejandro Garnacho, but his move to Chelsea should now be imminent after a £40m fee with Manchester United was agreed on Thursday.
While that particular switch has been in the offing for some time, there was shock among the Blues fanbase yesterday when surprise reports emerged that Chelsea had agreed a straight loan deal with Brighton for Garnacho’s fellow Argentine attacker Facundo Buonanotte.
The 20-year-old winger had looked set to join newly-promoted Leeds after spending last season on loan at relegated Leicester.
We await more developments on that, while Chelsea continue to be linked with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, though Xavi Simons has now joined Tottenham.
Another busy end to the transfer window awaits at Stamford Bridge!
Chelsea confirm Nkunku exit with Jackson to follow
10:30 , George FloodChelsea have now officially confirmed Christopher Nkunku’s permanent move to AC Milan for a fee of around £36m, plus add-ons.
Standard Sport understands that an agreement with Bayern Munich has also been reached for Nicolas Jackson, who will join on an initial season-long loan for €15m that includes a €65m buy option next summer and sell-on clause.
Jackson has been given permission to fly to Germany today to finalise that switch.
Alfie Gilchrist joined West Brom yesterday for £2m, while Alex Matos looks to be on his way to Sheffield United with more exits from Stamford Bridge expected before Monday night’s earlier 7pm BST transfer deadline.
Time to stock up on balloons 🎈 #WelcomeNkunku
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 30, 2025
Chelsea vs Fulham prediction
10:19 , George FloodThe Blues were at their best against West Ham last week, but they will surely face a sterner test here as Fulham will almost certainly defend a lot better.
As a result, it will be a case of whether Chelsea can break down a stubborn Fulham defence.
No Cole Palmer will make such a task even tougher and the visitors do offer a threat going the other way.
A tight game is on the cards with the hosts likely coming out on top, but only just.
Chelsea to win, 2-1.
Fulham team news
10:16 , George FloodAntonee Robinson should return for Fulham this afternoon after not being involved in the 2-0 home win over Championship side Bristol City in the Carabao Cup second round in midweek.
Manager Marco Silva also said yesterday that Harry Wilson was in contention to play despite the injury he suffered in that aforementioned game.
Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for the visitors today.
Chelsea team news
10:09 , George FloodChelsea will be without star man Cole Palmer again today due to the groin injury that saw him withdrawn late from the team that demolished struggling West Ham 5-1 in another London derby last Friday night.
Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are also still sidelined along with long-term absentee Levi Colwill, while Nicolas Jackson has been given permission to travel to Germany today to complete an initial loan move to Bayern Munich.
Christopher Nkunku will also not be involved again as he prepares to join AC Milan on a permanent deal.
Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable.
How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham
10:04 , George FloodTV channel: Today’s game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 11am BST.
Live stream: You can also live stream the match on Discovery+ with a subscription.
Chelsea vs Fulham live
10:01 , George FloodGood morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s latest live coverage in the early stages of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Matchday 3 kicks off this lunchtime with an intriguing west London derby, where Chelsea will look to go top of the table - at least for a short while - as they chase a second successive commanding victory over a Fulham side who have played out back-to-back draws before advancing in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Kick-off this afternoon is at 12:30pm BST, so stay tuned for build-up, team news and live updates, including expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.
