Chelsea FC 0-0 Fulham LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Chelsea vs Fulham - LIVE!

Chelsea’s British record signing Enzo Fernandez got his first taste of Premier League football in a 0-0 draw against his new club’s visiting neighbours Fulham in a lively but ultimately disappointing Friday night derby.

The World Cup-winning midfielder, who cost Chelsea’s American owners £107million from Benfica, looked comfortable and showed touches of class, spraying pinpoint passes and timing his tackles well. But the home side, beaten by Fulham in the reverse fixture three weeks ago, could still not find a cutting edge in front of goal, Kai Havertz coming closest when his first-half chip hit the post with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno stranded.

David Datro Fofana has a chance to win it late on, but saw his effort cleared off the line by Tim Ream. Fulham had opportunities themselves, through former Chelsea forward Willian, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira, but they will be thrilled with a point that lifts them up to sixth in the table.

Chelsea vs Fulham latest news

• OFF THE LINE! Fofana shot kept out by Ream

• WOODWORK! Havertz denied by the post

Chelsea FC 0 - 0 Fulham FC

Thanks for following!

23:07 , Matt Verri

Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali felt the effects of gravity once again as they watched another drab display after pulling off one of the greatest ever football heists.

“What a waste of money,” chanted the Fulham supporters who gleefully mocked Chelsea’s world record 2022-23 transfer spend that, at over £600million, was more than they have spent since 2001.

It didn’t matter that Enzo Fernandez proved solid and tidy on his debut after just one training session. The fact the Blues had spent so much and could not find a way to win was victory in itself for the away side.

Read Nizaar Kinsella’s full analysis here

More from the Chelsea boss

22:47 , Matt Verri

Potter explains Mudryk decision

22:37 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter says a “heavy cold” was behind Mykhailo Mudryk’s substitution at half-time during Chelsea’s draw with west London rivals Fulham on Friday.

The £88.5m signing, who proved so impressive during a brief cameo away at Anfield last month, was replaced by fellow January arrival Noni Madueke at half-time.

Mudryk endured a difficult 45 minutes against Fulham and had the fewest touches of any outfield player (19) - all of which proved ineffective - before coming off.

Of Mudryk’s fitness, Potter said: “He’s had a heavy cold this week and he was feeling heavy-legged.”

A very happy manager!

22:26 , Matt Verri

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

22:18 , Matt Verri

Five new signings played but still the same disappointing result. There’s big pressure on these home matches if Chelsea want to finish in the top four.

Fulham up to sixth place, Chelsea above Liverpool in ninth but two more games played.

Player ratings

22:02 , Matt Verri

Thiago Silva - 8

The 38-year-old was his usual dominant self and created his side’s first chance with a well-measured long ball. It’s an absolute credit to him that there has been no drop-off since losing his last chance to fulfil his dream of lifting the World Cup with Brazil.

Benoit Badiashile - 8

An almost flawless display alongside the experienced centre back. He seems to compliment his partner perfectly, steps in at the right time uses the ball well and even created a chance for Hakim Ziyech.

Read our full Chelsea ratings here!

That was nearly the moment!

21:57 , Matt Verri

FT: Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

21:54 , Matt Verri

New signings, same old story. Chelsea have real problems in attack.

Just 22 goals in their 21 Premier League matches this season - they could well be 11th in the table by the end of the weekend.

That’s a great point for Fulham who continue to impress.

21:52 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Turned behind for a corner, which bobbles around in the box.

Vinicius then makes a complete mess of clearing it, caught trying to dribble out. Madness. Sterling clips a ball towards the far post, Leno claims it well under pressure.

21:51 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Sterling brought down cynically, Chelsea will have the chance to put the ball in the box.

That is once Pereira limps off in his own sweet time. Not exactly skipping off, it’s fair to say.

21:49 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Five minutes added on.

Silva heads the free-kick up, then heads it into the path of Palhinha and he slices a shot wide. Looked a lot closer than it actually was.

21:48 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Silly, silly foul from Havertz. Clips Reed’s heels and it’s gifted Fulham a free-kick in a dangerous area.

Mitrovic coming off, surprise before this set-piece. Vinicius coming on to replace him.

21:45 , Matt Verri

87 mins: Doesn’t look like this is going to happen for Chelsea, that bright spell has sort of slowed down now.

Fulham happy to sit back a bit - they’ll be delighted with a point.

21:41 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Tete battling with Sterling, and he eventually gets the free-kick.

Another Chelsea change - Chilwell makes his return from injury. On in place of Cucurella.

21:37 , Matt Verri

80 mins: OFF THE LINE!

Gallagher over the top, Fofana knocks it past the onrushing Leno. He takes his time, chops past Dip and gets the shot away but Ream is there to deny him with Leno stranded.

That’s absolutely brilliant defending.

21:36 , Matt Verri

79 mins: Chelsea pushing a bit more, Madueke the most threatening out wide.

Onto his left foot, poor cross but it’s only cleared to Gallagher on the edge of the box. He whips it wide... decent chance. Into the side netting and a fair few though that was in.

21:33 , Matt Verri

76 mins: Fofana on for Mount.

Chelsea fans apparently couldn’t care less about that, but they’re on their feet for Willian as he is replaced. A very popular man still at Stamford Bridge.

21:31 , Matt Verri

74 mins: Get Gallagher off these corners.

Mount’s strike is deflected behind, but once again Gallagher doesn’t beat the first man. Sure Silva is absolutely thrilled to have trotted up for that.

21:29 , Matt Verri

72 mins: That would have been a very popular goal!

Ball rolls out to Fernandez, 25 yards out. Runs onto it, looks to whip the first-time effort into the far corner. Flies just wide of the far post... Leno didn’t look hugely confident about that.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

21:28 , Matt Verri

Noni Madueke looks exciting when he gets the ball and cuts an imposing figure on the wings with his tall, well-built stature.

21:26 , Matt Verri

69 mins: De Cordova-Reid into the book, drags back Sterling and refuses to let go.

Here come Fulham again on the counter, Willian away down the left. He’s got three white shirts in the middle, goes for an early cross. De Cordova-Reid fires it straight at Kepa from a tight angle.

Real waste that from the visitors. Mitrovic then tries his luck from all of 50 yards with Kepa off his line, the Spaniard just about gets back in time!

21:23 , Matt Verri

66 mins: Azpilicueta in behind, Robinson gets back well to concede the corner. Set-pieces might be Chelsea’s best chance, the Blues aren’t looking dangerous from open play.

Better ball from Gallagher this time, Silva’s header loops straight up for Leno though.

21:21 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Space opens up for Gallagher, plays the pass out to Madueke. The Chelsea man just stands there waiting for the ball, Robinson flies in and steals it.

Counter is on, cross comes in but it’s headed away. Gallagher then earns himself a yellow card for hacking down Pereira.

21:19 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Madueke has moved over to the right now, Sterling on the left.

They nearly combine, as the cross comes in and Sterling lines up the overhead kick at the back post. Tete heads the ball away before it can reach the winger.

21:17 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Fulham absolutely swarming Chelsea all of a sudden!

Palhinha sensational, keeps winning it back in midfield. Willian then charges past the blue shirts, cut back to Pereira who has a shot blocked. Comes back to Palhinha, hammers an effort over the bar.

Two Chelsea changes - James and Ziyech off, Azpilicueta and Sterling on.

21:15 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Chelsea’s attacking threat mainly coming from that right wing, crosses from either James or Ziyech.

They’re nearly away straight through the middle as Mount challenges Palhinha, whistle goes for a Fulham free-kick though.

21:12 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Gallagher to swing the corner in.

Barely reaches the first man, let alone beat him. Ziyech then tries to keep the ball in play, Tete too strong though as he sees it out for a goal-kick.

21:11 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Better spell for Chelsea, pinning Fulham back now. A couple of dangerous crosses are headed away.

There’s another one, James very nearly picks out Madueke at the back post but it’s superb defending from Tete to head it behind for a corner.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

21:08 , Matt Verri

Mykhailo Mudryk has gone off for debutant Noni Madueke. I can’t see Mudryk on the bench so it might be an injury but he was also quiet during the first half.

It is an anxious wait now for Chelsea fans to find out why Potter took him off - he’ll be asked in the press conference.

21:08 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Poor from Mount, great ball fired into him but he can’t hold it up. Flop to the floor not kidding the referee either.

Fulham break down the right, brilliant cross in... Mitrovic can’t catch up with it. Bright start to the half from Fulham, much the better side.

That’s a bit wild though, Pereira flies in on Cucurella. Yellow card swiftly out.

21:04 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Ziyech stands on the ball and lands awkwardly, a complete mess from the winger. He’s briefly down in pain, but has made a swift recovery.

And now Cucurella is down, he got caught late. We have another miraculous return to full health.

Back underway!

21:02 , Matt Verri

Up and running against at Stamford Bridge.

A change at the break from Chelsea - Madueke is on for Mudryk. Not a squad that is short of wingers, is it.

As close as either side came...

20:56 , Matt Verri

20:52 , Matt Verri

Silva and Badiashile have looked very confident at the back, Fernandez with some bright moments in front of them.

Apart from that, it’s not been great from Chelsea. Mudryk has barely had a touch, while Mount has struggled to get involved. No real sign of James offering much either on his return to the side.

Fulham have had plenty of dangerous moments, final ball hasn’t quite been there for them though.

HT: Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

20:47 , Matt Verri

And that’s half-time, goalless at Stamford Bridge.

Very even 45 minutes, but Chelsea had a couple of great chances. Both fell to Havertz... he couldn’t take either.

Pereira went closest for Fulham, Kepa producing a good save to deny him.

20:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Wow. Fernandez lays the ball back for Kepa to get the driver out, he thins it instead. One for the golf fans.

Ball doesn’t get off the ground, hammered at Mitrovic but thankfully for Chelsea it bounces clear.

And now Ziyech plays a glorious ball over the top. Havertz clean through, lobbed over Leno... OFF THE POST! So unlucky.

20:44 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Fulham definitely growing in confidence towards the end of the half, Chelsea not getting anything going at all.

Mudryk, Mount, Havertz, Ziyech... all been very quiet. No flow to the Blues’ play so far.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:42 , Matt Verri

Fernandez is going to have a big impact on Chelsea, he is exerting real control and is just doing the basics so well.

The rest of the team needs to find ways to threaten consistently to complement that.

20:39 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Match is starting to really open up.

Ball played inside, Mitrovic very nearly able to flick it on to Willian who would have been clean through on goal.

Instead Chelsea win it back, ball is on to Havertz over the top but Ream does well to cut it out.

20:37 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Fulham very nearly take the lead!

Cucurella with a backheel that doesn’t find Mudryk and Fulham are swiftly on the counter. Tete breaks down the right, and swings another great cross in.

Willian free at the back post, nods it back across goal but Mitrovic can’t quite make anything out of it with his back to goal.

20:36 , Matt Verri

36 mins: PSG might be relieved at Chelsea’s inability to sign a document.

Great work from Fernandez to win the ball back and he sets Ziyech away. Goes on his right foot for once, and slices the shot a mile wide. Terrible effort.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:34 , Matt Verri

Chelsea have not been great and that means the defence has been under pressure.

Thiago Silva, as usual, has been exceptional. No post World Cup hangover for him which is credit to him after the disappointment of a career.

20:33 , Matt Verri

32 mins: That’s a chance though!

Mount finds space and plays a great ball across the face of goal. Ream gets a slight flick on it and that’s enough to force Havertz to stretch a bit more - sends it well over the bar.

20:32 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Gallagher caught by Mitrovic, Pereira then goes straight through Fernandez. Fulham more than happy for this to remain a scrappy game.

Fernandez and the Chelsea centre-backs seeing plenty of the ball, but they can’t find the ball through midfield. Chelsea basically playing in a horseshoe, wide and then back.

20:29 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Finally a bit of space opens up for Chelsea, but it’s Mount breaking on the left rather than Mudryk.

Mount cuts inside and looks to spread it wide to Ziyech, not enough on the pass though and Robinson can just about cut it out. That was a real chance for the Blues.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:27 , Matt Verri

Benoit Badiashile is the pick of the new signings with his powerful but composed defending. Mykhailo Mudryk hasn’t quite sparkled as he did at Anfield and Enzo Fernandez has been steady but unremarkable so far.

Chelsea look a bit better than recent weeks but not by a lot. A slight improvement in fluidity going forward but still can’t pick out the final ball. Fulham look every bit their equal.

20:25 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Big save!

Palhinha pounces on a loose pass and fizzes the ball into Pereira. He’s 20 yards out, strikes a great effort at goal and Kepa parries it behind. Strong hand.

Corner is flicked on by Tete at the near post, loops harmlessly wide though.

20:24 , Matt Verri

24 mins: James’ cross charged down, Chelsea will have their first corner of the night.

Ziyech swings it in, headed out by Ream. Gallagher nods it back to Ziyech but he knows full well the offside flag is coming as he dinks the ball over the top. And it does.

20:22 , Matt Verri

22 mins: That’s not a great tackle at all. Palhinha, not for the first time tonight, slides in... this time he doesn’t get it right.

Catches Mount as he comes in from behind, that’s a yellow card for the Fulham midfielder. Mitrovic trying his best to join his team-mate in the book, judging by the constant moaning.

20:21 , Matt Verri

20 mins: Silva skips out the midfielder and floats a brilliant ball over the top, Havertz flicks it first time at goal but Leno sticks out a leg to deny him.

And then the offside flag goes up, wouldn’t have counted anyway. Would have been very tight had that gone to VAR.

There’s then a solid 30 seconds of both sides giving the ball away at every possible opportunity. Really messy.

20:19 , Matt Verri

19 mins: Mount with a shot from distance, blocked. Rebound nearly spins into Havertz’s path as Ream lets it bounce, but the defender gets back to clear.

Fernandez dropping deeper and deeper to get on the ball - Chelsea finding it very difficult to pass through midfield.

20:17 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Ziyech starting to get more and more involved on the right wing.

The usual trick of cutting inside onto his left foot and whipping a cross towards the back post, Leno reads it though and is off his line to claim with Mudryk lurking.

20:14 , Matt Verri

14 mins: Mudryk nearly gets on the end of a Gallagher cross, just too much on it. Can’t be a great pass if Mudryk can’t catch up, he’s got ridiculous pace.

Ziyech then less than impressed as the throw-in goes Fulham’s way - no sign of the Chelsea winger being annoyed that he’s still at the club. His move to PSG fell through late on deadline day.

20:11 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Great play from Willian, skips past a couple of Chelsea players. Lays it back, dangerous cross comes in and Silva turns it behind for a corner.

Fernandez has the task of marking Mitrovic. Best of luck.

Taken short by Fulham, eventually Pereira looks to whip it in but that’s charged down. Fernandez and Mitrovic both ended up on the floor in the middle, wrestling each other.

20:09 , Matt Verri

9 mins: That’s a real chance for Chelsea, they should make more of it.

Space opens up for Mount after a one-two with Havertz, and Mudryk is flying into space ahead of him. He’s clean through on goal if Mount gets the pass right, Tete gets back to intercept though.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

20:09 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are playing 4-3-3 with Enzo Fernandez holding and Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount pushing forward as eights on either side.

Mudryk left of the front three in his favoured position, Havertz central striker and Hakim Ziyech is wide right.

20:07 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Bit of a scare there for the Blues.

Robinson picks the ball up on the halfway line, flies past first Ziyech and then James. It’s then a heavy touch from the Fulham left-back though, can’t keep the ball in play as he looks to cut it back into the box.

20:04 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Chelsea look sharp when they do play the ball forward.

Gallagher flicks it through to Mount, who slides it wide to Mudryk. Cuts inside onto his right foot, opts for the reverse pass to Mount instead of a shot and he doesn’t quite get it right.

Bit more direct at the other end of the pitch, Tete with an early cross. Mitrovic can’t get on the end of it.

20:03 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Fulham pressing right up the pitch in the opening minutes, not letting Chelsea play their way out.

They win it back though, Fernandez’s first involvement is pinging a ball out for James. Willian does well to track the full-back and close him down.

KICK-OFF!

20:00 , Matt Verri

Underway at Stamford Bridge - brilliant atmosphere in west London!

Here we go!

19:56 , Matt Verri

Teams are in the tunnel, kick-off coming up very shortly.

Fulham have had a great season so far, though they’ve lost their last two Premier League matches. Those were against Newcastle and Tottenham.

Chelsea not in impressive form at all, but this does feel like a fresh start for them.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:51 , Matt Verri

Cesar Azpilicueta was presented with a memento ahead of the match after making his 500th appearance for Chelsea, the first foreign player to reach that milestone.

Chelsea also paid tribute to Jorginho who moved to Arsenal on deadline day.

Can Chelsea make a top-four charge?

19:47 , Matt Verri

Arsenal and Manchester City look to have two of the Champions League spots wrapped up.

Manchester United will fancy their chances of finishing in the top four too, leaving Newcastle and Tottenham among those battling for the final spot.

Chelsea and Liverpool have a lot of ground to make up in the next few months.

Top four latest odds:

Man United: 2/9

Newcastle: 8/11

Liverpool: 11/5

Tottenham: 11/4

Chelsea: 7/1

Via Betfair.

Carragher: Chelsea spending is staggering

19:44 , Matt Verri

Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea “need” to get back to challenging for the Premier League to justify their huge spending under Todd Boehly.

“It’s about them developing [those signings], producing the team over the next few years and getting the success that they’ve had over the last 10-15 years under a different owner,” Carragher tells Sky Sports.

“That’s what they need to get back to. When you have this kind of outlay on players, you have to be at the top and challenging for big trophies.

“That won’t happen this season. When you look at it, it’s absolutely staggering. But when you look at some of the names, we’re talking about some of the best and most exciting young footballers in Europe.”

Warm-up time...

19:38 , Matt Verri

Boehly spending to continue?

19:34 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are planning a clear-out of players to help fund another round of big spending in the summer.

The Blues have spent over £500million this season, including more than £300m in January, but new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake are ready to sanction another spending spree for next season, with a new goalkeeper and striker high on the agenda. They could also target a midfielder and another central defender.

Chelsea’s main focus has been the January window so little progress has been made over goalkeeper targets, though Brentford No1 David Raya is likely to come under consideration. The Blues have already agreed a deal worth around £50m to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku but are weighing up whether to target another front man.

Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy head a group of players who could be sold.

Ziyech, Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek and Gallagher were all floated for a potential sale in January and are likely to be allowed to leave.

Read the full story on that here

The Chelsea boss on a busy month!

19:28 , Matt Verri

Fresh start for Cehslea

19:23 , Matt Verri

Tonight represents a chance for Chelsea to change the narrative around their season, writes Nizaar Kinsella.

The Blues will kick-off in 10th place, but the outlook looks brighter. A two-week break since their 0-0 draw at Liverpool has given Potter valuable time on the training ground, as he bids to impose his methods on the squad.

Star man Reece James is back from injury, along with Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as the injury crisis at the club eases.

James, in particular, could have a huge impact. Since Potter took over, Chelsea have not lost when the right-back has played, but they have struggled badly without him.

New £88.5m signing Mykhailo Mudryk makes his first start tonight after impressing off the bench at Liverpool. His exciting cameo has given supporters a lift, and the Ukraine winger has had a fortnight to get used to his new team-mates.

Read our full preview here

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:17 , Matt Verri

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang not making the 20-man match day squad after failing to make the 25-man Champions League squad surely means the end of his Chelsea career.

Both he and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are not selected today, with one Chelsea player suspended, one on international duty and six injured.

‘Left out watch’ will be interesting with the 33-man squad in the coming weeks.

James: Crazy time at Chelsea

19:12 , Matt Verri

“It’s been crazy, we’ve had a lot of signings,” Reece James has told Sky Sports ahead of tonight’s match.

“We haven’t been performing to our usual standards, it’s been difficult. Hopefully we’re going to find our feet again today.

“It’s a must - we’ve got a big few weeks ahead and that needs to start today.”

Fernandez makes debut!

19:08 , Matt Verri

Big news for Chelsea is that Fernandez comes straight in and makes his debut, just 48 hours after completing his big-money move.

First start for Mudryk too, while Ziyech is also in the side after seeing his move to PSG fall through in bizarre fashion.

Mitrovic leads the line for the visitors, with Willian starting against his former side. Cedric not in the squad after joining on deadline day from Arsenal.

Fulham team news

19:03 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Leno, Tete, Diop, Ream, Antonee Robinson, Reed, Palhinha, Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian, Mitrovic

Subs: Rodak, Kurzawa, Adarabioyo, Duffy, Wilson, Cairney, Solomon, James, Vinicius

Chelsea team news

19:01 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Kepa, James, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Fernandez, Gallagher, Ziyech, Mount, Mudryk, Havertz

Subs: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Sterling, Chilwell, Koulibaly, Fofana, Azpilicueta, Chukwuemeka, Madueke.

Teams coming up...

18:55 , Matt Verri

All the team news from Stamford Bridge coming in the next five minutes or so.

Mudryk to make his first Chelsea start? Debut for Fernandez? Cedric involved for Fulham?

Plenty of decision for the managers to make, particularly Potter. We’re about to find out what they’ve opted for.

Fernandez has arrived at Stamford Bridge!

18:48 , Matt Verri

Exclusive interview with Willian

18:42 , Matt Verri

Willian is full of “memories and respect”, as he prepares to line up at Stamford Bridge for the first time as an opposition player, writes Nizaar Kinsella.

The Brazilian made 339 appearances during seven years with Chelsea, winning five major trophies including two Premier League titles.

His time at Chelsea changed his life, and he spoke of his love for the club after he refused to celebrate his goal for Fulham in their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage last month.

Willian was an unused substitute when he returned to Stamford Bridge with Arsenal in 2021, but the 34-year-old is set to start tonight after starring for Fulham this season. He did not celebrate scoring against Chelsea last month.

“I didn’t celebrate my goal against Chelsea because I was there for seven years,” Willian tells Standard Sport. “I have big, big respect for the fans and the people who work at the club.”

Read our full interview with Willian here

Potter confident signings can bring a lift

18:35 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter is backing Chelsea’s unprecedented £300million transfer window to breathe new life into their season.

After signing £106.8m British transfer record Enzo Fernandez on deadline day, the Blues took their spending to a world-record £600m for the season.

The Blues are 10th in the Premier League, but Potter hopes that beating and leapfrogging seventh-placed Fulham tonight could be the turning point in their season.

“There is potential for that,” he said. “I think new faces will give the group a lift. The group has had a tough time with injuries and we’ve had some tough moments. New faces just lift everybody, and I think the quality of the players is exciting for everyone.

“It lifts the quality of the training sessions and mood, so we are looking forward to going out and playing in front of our supporters.”

Stage is set!

18:27 , Matt Verri

Aubameyang not involved tonight

18:20 , Matt Verri

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won’t be in the Chelsea squad tonight - not a good situation for him at the club.

As we’ve covered, he won’t be in the Blues’ Champions League squads either. Here’s that group they have registered for Europe:

Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli, Edouard Mendy

Defenders: Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Lewis Hall

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Denis Zakaria, Hakim Ziyech, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka

Forwards: Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz

Huge call from Potter

18:14 , Matt Verri

Chelsea have confirmed Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix in their Champions League squad but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been left out.

UEFA rules state that only three new players can be registered for the knockout stages, forcing big-spending Chelsea to also omit three of their January signings.

Manager Graham Potter has opted to register his two marquee arrivals in Fernandez and Mudryk, who cost £107million and £88.5m apiece, and Atletico Madrid loanee Felix, who has significant experience in the competition.

Aubameyang was left out despite the option to instead omit youngster Carney Chukwuemeka or third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Read the full story on that here

Silva: Chelsea power and ambition clear

18:07 , Matt Verri

Marco Silva is not surprised that Chelsea have proven their “power” in the transfer market.

It was another month of huge spending from the Blues, who have now spent more than £600m on players since Todd Boehly took charge, something the Fulham boss sees as further proof between the top clubs and the rest in the league.

“I know everyone is talking about them because it was a big amount of money in January but it is not the first time,” Silva said.

“All of us, we know the difference between certain types of clubs. Last summer, they spent a good amount of money too and they strengthened their squad and they were able to do the same this transfer window and show their power.

“If it is too much money or not, it is not for me to talk about it, but just to show the power and show their ambition to improve the squad.”

Standard Sport prediction

18:01 , Matt Verri

Chelsea, you would imagine, will have renewed hope and purpose now the January transfer window has closed with them firmly stocked up on talent - it’s just down to Graham Potter to make it all work.

Fulham are extremely well-drilled and will prove a tough test - just ask Chelsea! - but I fancy the Blues to have the edge in front of a no doubt giddy home crowd. This game is rarely high-scoring, so any will should be narrow.

Chelsea to win, 1-0.

Fulham team news

17:54 , Matt Verri

Fulham have a clean bill of health, beyond longer-term absentee Neesken Kebano. January signings Sasa Lukic and Cedric Soares are in line to make their debuts.

Willian should start against his former club, having scored against them at Craven Cottage last month.

Chelsea team news

17:47 , Matt Verri

Chelsea will be able to hand a debut to the most expensive player in British football history, Enzo Fernandez, with it believed his was registered in time.

Joao Felix is still suspended, serving the third of his three-match ban for his sending off against Fulham last month. Mykhailo Mudryk should start after a lively cameo against Liverpool last time out and could line up alongside Kai Havertz and Mason Mount up top.

Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all back and fit, but Wesley Fofana, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Armando Broja and Denis Zakaria are still out.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Kepa; James, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Fernandez; Ziyech, Mount, Mudryk; Havertz.

How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham

17:40 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us, featuring expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.

Good evening!

17:34 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Fulham!

The transfer window is behind us, so the focus can finally turn to matters on the pitch. There’s certainly a fresh feel to this Chelsea side.

They’ll be hoping that’s the case, having lost to Fulham just a few weeks ago at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s side continue to sit above the Blues in the table.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm GMT from Stamford Bridge.