Chelsea vs. Fulham | Premier League | Pre Match

Chelsea and Fulham lock horns in a West London derby at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

The home side had their impressive winning streak ended by a stubborn Everton on Sunday, while Fulham were also held to a 0-0 draw by relegation candidates Southampton.

Match preview

After winning five Premier League games in a row, the longest streak any club in the division has enjoyed this season, Chelsea saw that run abruptly halted on Sunday, being held to a goalless draw by a resolute Everton.

It was the first time Enzo Maresca's men had failed to win a game since the 1-1 draw with Arsenal before the November international break, and the first time they had failed to score in a league game since the opening day.

Despite being held and falling four points behind Liverpool at the Premier League summit again though, Chelsea are still unbeaten in 12 matches, with some favourable fixtures ahead.

On paper, a run of five games against Fulham, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolves should offer Chelsea the chance to go stride for stride with Liverpool into the new year, but any slip ups could be very costly there.

While many have marveled at Chelsea's recent form though, their tally of 35 points is actually the lowest of any second-placed team at Christmas since 2010, showing just how congested and competitive the Premier League has been so far.

There will be no concerns around the fact Chelsea have lost two of their last three Boxing Day fixtures, because their record against Fulham is remarkable, remaining unbeaten in 19 games against the Cottagers at Stamford Bridge, a run which dates back to 1979.

A good omen is that despite only winning two of the previous 11 matches they have played against London clubs on Boxing Day, both of those wins came during title-winning seasons, in 2005-06 and 2014-15.

Fulham could have come into this clash with their eyes firmly set on the top four, but they were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom-of-the-table Southampton at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Harry Wilson and Adama Traore came closest for Marco Silva's side in a low-key, underwhelming afternoon, but they remain just two points off the European places, thanks to draws with Arsenal and Liverpool prior to that stalemate.

Draws are becoming too common though, with Silva's men having won just one of their last six games now, and Chelsea are not the ideal opponents for them to try to fix that record.

In 34 Premier League meetings, Fulham have won just twice, a win rate of only 6%, which is the lowest of any team against another opponent in Premier League history between those who have met at least 20 times.

Manager Silva also has an underwhelming record over the Blues from his time with Fulham, and also Watford and Everton, winning just two of his previous 10 encounters against their upcoming opponents.