Fulham v Chelsea – Match Preview
After crossing the 40-point line already this season Fulham can rest easy knowing they’ll be competing in the Premier League next year. However with a west London derby against Chelsea, followed by the visit of fellow capital foes Arsenal on Saturday, Martin Jol won’t let his squad rest on its laurels just yet, especially with a top-half finish still well within their capabilities. The Cottagers have been in excellent form recently losing just once in their last seven matches but tend to pick up unfavourable results when their illustrious neighbours make the short trip down the Thames. The biggest challenge that could hamper Jol’s modest aims is complacency and it would be a shame if the Fulham players y end up coasting towards the campaigns conclusion.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must provide an immediate riposte after being denied access to the FA Cup final by Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday. Rafael Benitez’s primary focus is keeping his players’ concentration centred on securing Champions League qualification. Arsenal’s draw with Everton on Tuesday night handed a significant boost meaning they’re now two points short of third spot and hold games in hand on the Gunners and Tottenham below them. The Blues’ have lost just once against Fulham in the Premier League era should give approach the game with an air of confidence.
Team News
A thigh strain prevents Damien Duff from featuring against his former club but Fulham can welcome back midfielder Steve Sidwell after a three-game ban.
Chelsea stalwarts John Terry and Frank Lampard are in line to start after being left on the bench by Rafael Benitez for the entirety of Sunday’s FA semi-final defeat. Ashley Cole (hamstring) and Gary Cahill (knee) won’t be rushed back.
What the managers said…
“Hopefully we can have a good result against them on Wednesday. We need a win against them. I’ve beaten Chelsea once and they were very strong then with Jose Mourinho, but we have taken four draws from them [in the last four matches] and that’s not great, but it’s not bad either, so hopefully we could get a result on Wednesday to change it.” Martin Jol is optimistic Fulham can end their torrid record against Chelsea (fulhamfc.com)
“I have to think about all the squad. I don’t want to talk about just two of them. Every game will be important until the end. A lot of players have done a great job. They have to continue. We’ve had a lot of games and still have nine or 10 to play, so all the squad and players are important. It has to be the same until the end. We have to manage the squad, and will do so until the end.” Rafael Benitez admits Frank Lampard and John Terry are no longer automatic starters for Chelsea (Mirror Sport)
Pre-match Statistic: Fulham have managed just a solitary win just in 23 Premier League meetings with the Chelsea (W1 D10 L12)
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Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Chelsea
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