The Stamford Bridge faithful will be hoping to welcome back their beloved Chelsea with open arms after the Blues suffered a humbling 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, Fulham will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing first-leg EFL Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool when the two sides meet on January 23 in the Premier League West London derby.
Match Preview
Chelsea’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, having won back-to-back games against Crystal Palace and Luton Town but losing to Middlesbrough.
The Blues have failed to break into the single figures in the Premier League standings and remain 10th with a three-point deficit to make up to Brighton & Hove Albion in seventh place.
Fulham, on the other hand, have enjoyed success in the FA Cup and managed to hold their own against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final.
However, they have struggled away from home in the Premier League, losing their last four games and shipping at least three goals on each occasion.
Team News
Chelsea will have to do without several injured players including Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu, Reece James, and Romeo Lavia.
Christopher Nkunku is also a doubt with a hip concern, while Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Benoit Badiashile are touch-and-go.
Fulham will be missing Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Fode Ballo-Toure due to their AFCON call-ups. Adama Traore is also unavailable with a thigh injury, while Harrison Reed is nursing a knock from the game against Liverpool.
Possible Starting Lineups
Chelsea: (4-2-3-1)
Petrovic;
Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill;
Gallagher, Fernandez;
Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk;
Broja
Fulham: (4-2-3-1)
Leno;
Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson;
Palhinha, Cairney;
Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian;
Jimenez
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
Despite Fulham’s impressive showing against Liverpool, their defensive vulnerabilities while playing away from home make them susceptible to Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
While Chelsea failed to score in their last game, they have rediscovered their winning ways at home and should have the edge in this match.
