Fulham and Chelsea face each other this Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the 21st round of Premier League, at the Craven Cottage stadium, in Londres. The game starts at 7:30 pm local time (4:30 pm Brasília time), broadcast live on Brasil on ESPN 4 and on the Disney+ platform. The lineups have been confirmed, andPaste Palmeris listed as a starter in Chelsea, occupying a central position in the offensive sector.
Chelsea appears in 5th position, with 31 points, while Fulham is in 11th, with 28 points. Cole Palmer, one of the team’s main creators, returns prominently after recent minutes, bringing game vision and finishing to the visiting attack. Esse London derby is reinforced with the confirmed presence of the Englishman in the starting eleven.
Peter Bankes commands the arbitration, maintaining a balanced standard of conduct.
Official derby lineups
Fulham uses a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Bernd Leno in goal and a defense made up of Issa Diop, Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca. Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson cover the sides, while Sander Berge and Tom Cairney organize the middle. Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe support Raúl Jiménez in front.
In Chelsea, the 4-2-3-1 has Robert Sánchez on goal, with a defense formed by Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella. Moisés Caicedo and André Santos in the defensive midfield, with Cole Palmer centralized in creation alongside Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto, supporting Liam Delap in attack. The position of Palmer reflects adaptations to maximize its influence.
- Goalkeepers: Leno (Fulham) x Sánchez (Chelsea)
- Main midfield: Berge and Cairney (Fulham) x Caicedo and Santos (Chelsea)
- Offensive creation: Wilson and Smith Rowe (Fulham) x Palmer and Fernández (Chelsea)
Highlight for Cole Palmer in the lineup
Paste Palmerreceives confirmation as a starter in the Chelsea, playing in a central role that exploits his ability to make decisive passes and medium-range shots. The English player, after recent recovery, played full minutes in previous games and represents a fundamental piece in Calum McFarlane’s scheme. Sua lineup prioritizes creativity against Fulham’s organized defense.
Palmer accumulates significant contributions this season, with goals and assists that define results. Essa tactical choice seeks to explore spaces in the middle, combining with Neto and Delap in transitions.
The full return of Palmer increases the offensive potential of Blues in the classic.
Absences affect both sides
Fulham lives with casualties like Kenny Tete, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz, all out due to injury or recovery. Marco Silva adapts the squad with options from the bench, including Adama Traoré and Harrison Reed for reinforcements during the match. Essas absences require greater defensive compaction.
For Chelsea, Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended, while Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia are still undergoing treatment. Reservas like Reece James, Estêvão and João Pedro offer tactical variations.
Such absences balance forces in a disputed confrontation.
Where to watch the match live
On Brasil, ESPN 4 shows on closed TV, and Disney+ broadcasts via streaming, with programming starting before the kickoff. Options include expert commentary and real-time data. Aplicativos of score follows for those who follow alternatively.
Internationally, local rights-holding channels cover the game. Wide transmission enables global monitoring of Palmer in the field.
Featured players in the clash
Cole Palmer leads the spotlight for Chelsea, coordinating actions with Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto in offensive constructions. Pelo Fulham, Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez exploit speed in counterattacks. Moisés Caicedo guarantees balance in the visiting environment.
Chelsea seeks consolidation at the top of the table after mixed results. Fulham uses command to score valuable points.
Duels in the central sector promise to define the flow of the match.
Context of the league round
The 21st round marks an intense sequence of Premier League in 2026, with teams adjusting formations for bigger goals. Craven Cottage receives a full crowd, benefiting Fulham in local duels. Scaled Cole Palmer adds technical quality to Chelsea’s attack.
Ball possession and passing accuracy influence development, according to historical standards. Treinadores focus on discipline to contain opponent advances.
Recent history between rivals
Chelsea has an advantage in recent direct confrontations against Fulham, with positive sequences in visits to Craven Cottage. Partidas this season indicates heightened competitiveness among Londoners. The presence of Palmer holder reinforces options to maintain dominance.
The derby preserves a tradition of balance and decisive moments in intermediate classifications.
