Following a pair of winners at the weekend, SlipsTips shares a Bet Builder ahead of Fulham's clash with Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday night.
Fulham vs Chelsea, Monday (20:00)
London rivals Fulham and Chelsea bring this week's Premier League action to a close when they meet at Craven Cottage on Monday night.
Both sides head into the new campaign with new managers at the helm, as Alvaro Arbeloa takes charge of Fulham and compatriot Xabi Alonso begins his reign at Chelsea.
The two capital clubs finished level on points last season, with Chelsea ending ninth and Fulham tenth.
Over 0.5 Chelsea Goals
For the first leg of the bet builder, I'm backing Chelsea to score at least once. The Blues boast one of the most top-heavy squads in the division and have further strengthened their attacking options over the summer, with the early signs under Xabi Alonso certainly encouraging. Chelsea found the net three times in each of their final three pre-season fixtures, including games against AC Milan and Real Sociedad.
They now face a Fulham side that looks set to begin a season of transition after losing influential boss Marco Silva to Benfica, while a couple of key performers have also moved on from Craven Cottage this summer. The Cottagers failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their six pre-season outings, so there is plenty to like about backing Chelsea to make the net bulge at least once on Monday night.
Cole Palmer 2+ Shots
For the first of a couple of player-based selections, I'm backing Cole Palmer to attempt two or more shots. Palmer may have endured a dip in form last season and failed to hit the heights he had previously reached, but he remained a reliable outlet when it came to getting shots away, averaging 2.94 attempts per game in the Premier League.
He should also have plenty of motivation heading into the new campaign, with a point to prove under new manager Xabi Alonso after a difficult season that ultimately saw him miss out on the World Cup. Palmer's responsibility from the penalty spot and in certain set-piece situations strengthens the case for him to register at least a couple of shots during this all-London affair.
Cole Palmer To Be Fouled 1+ Time
The third and final instalment of the bet builder also centres around the aforementioned Palmer, who I'm backing to be fouled at least once. The Chelsea star has long been a player who receives plenty of close attention from opposition markers, and this season is unlikely to be any different. Looking at last term's figures, Palmer was drawing an average of 1.70 fouls per 90 in the Premier League, being brought down at least once in each of his final eight appearances of the campaign. The case grows even stronger when you factor in that Palmer was fouled on three separate occasions during last season's corresponding fixture with Fulham.
Combined, this treble will bring about a 20/23 Bet Builder that looks good value.
Recommended Bet
- Over 0.5 Chelsea Goals
- Cole Palmer 2+ Shots
- Cole Palmer To Be Fouled 1+ Time
- Bet Builder – 20/23 (bet365)
Grant Heaney, aka SlipsTips, is a Freelance Football and Darts Writer with over six years experience. Grant has written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. He is a Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. You can find all of his tips on X @SlipsTips
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