Fulham vs. Chelsea: Blues bidding to avoid equalling 27-year streak in 2026-27 Premier League opener

Chelsea will be bidding to avoid a 27-year streak when they face Fulham on Monday evening.

Xabi Alonso will be taking charge of his first competitive match as Blues manager when Chelsea make the short trip to Craven Cottage.

Chelsea are still in the process of facilitating a number of exits, as well as monitoring developments with regards to additions in the event that they need to find suitable alternatives.

However, in the short term at least, full focus is on trying to make the perfect start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign after only finishing in 10th position last season.

While Chelsea are the marginal favourites, they are at risk of equalling something that has not been recorded in 27 years.

© Iconsport / Alex Ferrelly/Crystal Pix, SPP Sport Press Photo/Alamy Live News

What unwanted streak can Chelsea equal against Fulham?

In each of the last three seasons, Chelsea have failed to win their opening fixture of a Premier League season.

As well as home draws against Liverpool and Crystal Palace in 2023-24 and 2025-26 respectively, Chelsea suffered a 2-0 home defeat in Enzo Maresca's first game in charge.

Chelsea have not gone four opening-weekend fixtures without success since between 1995-96 and 1998-99.

Nevertheless, Fulham have also only prevailed on one occasion in their last six opening fixtures of a top-flight campaign.

They have also suffered defeat on all three occasions when they have started a Premier League season with a London derby.

Fulham did emerge victorious the last time that these two teams met at Craven Cottage, however, with a 2-1 triumph being registered in January.

© Imago / Mark Pain

Why Chelsea will not relish Craven Cottage trip

Since the turn of the year, Fulham have accumulated 18 points from nine Premier League games at Craven Cottage, winning on six occasions.

Only Manchester United have won more games on their home ground during that period.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have not posted an away victory in the Premier League since March 4, when they beat Aston Villa by a 4-1 scoreline.