Fulham vs. Chelsea Picks, Odds, and EPL Betting Analysis — Blues to Make a Winning Start to the Season Under Alonso at -106

• When: Monday, August 24, 2026. 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Craven Cottage, London, England
• How to Watch: NBC

Match Result	Odds
Fulham	+279
The Draw	+290
Chelsea	-106
Total Goals: Over/Under 2.5	+108/-124

Fulham vs. Chelsea EPL Preview

The final fixture on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season is set for Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026. Chelsea will be heavily favored to make a winning start to the new campaign at the best soccer betting sites when they travel to local rivals Fulham. But, will the Xabi Alonso reign get off to a perfect start in West London?

ALSO SEE: Premier League 2026/27: Our Experts Make Their Winner, Relegation, and Top Scorer Picks

New-Look Fulham Aiming For Statement Win on Opening Day

It has been a summer of change at Craven Cottage, with long-serving coach Marco Silva departing the club for a new challenge with Benfica. Alvaro Arbeloa got his first taste of senior management with Real Madrid last term, but a huge challenge awaits the Spaniard in the EPL this term.

Experienced stars such as Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson have departed, with the Cottagers banking on youth with the additions of Shea Charles, Gonzalo Garcia, and Cesar Palacios. Garcia will be required to make an instant impression in the forward line after scoring six times in 35 appearances for Real Madrid.

Results during pre-season have been largely positive, recording wins against Stuttgart and Farense. But, tensions could increase quickly at Craven Cottage if the Cottagers don’t make a fast start to the new season.

Likely Lineup:

(4-2-3-1) Leno (GK); Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; King, Berge; Bobb, Iwobi, Palacios; Garcia

Blues Set For Exciting First Season Under Alonso

The primary aim for Chelsea in the 2026-27 season is to regain their Champions League status. A miserable campaign last term, which saw the Blues have three head coaches, ended with a disappointing 10^th place finish.

The appointment of Xabi Alonso has excited fans, with the Spaniard previously guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title before a failed stint with Real Madrid. Major investment has been made this summer, headlined by the $140 million capture of Morgan Rogers.

Maxence Lacroix should strengthen a shaky defensive line, while experience has been added following the arrivals of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. Rediscovering Cole Palmer’s best form will be Alonso’s big challenge, as that could be the difference between mounting a potential title challenge and scraping for a European finish.

Likely Lineup:

(3-4-3) Sanchez (GK); Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, James, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Pedro, Rogers

Head-to-Head Stats

• Fulham have won just four of their last 41 competitive fixtures against Chelsea in all competitions.
• Chelsea have won 12 of their previous 21 trips to Craven Cottage in all competitions.
• Fulham have won two of the last four meetings between the West London rivals.

Fulham vs. Chelsea EPL Picks

There will be huge interest surrounding Chelsea at the start of the new season, and it will be fascinating to see the approach Alonso follows. However, this is an ideal opening night assignment given that the Blues have historically dominated against their West London rivals. A comfortable win could be achieved on the road by Chelsea.

• Chelsea (-0.5) (-106)