It`s a short trip down the Fulham Road for us tomorrow evening when we travel to Chelsea to face a club that has, once again, been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Can Fulham capitalize on the turmoil by taking the three points back to Craven Cottage?
Vital Quotes:
In his pre-match press conference, Martin Jol stressed the importance of capitalizing on the current uncertainty, at Stamford Bridge, remarking,
“If we can score an early goal then they will feel pressure.”
“Yu always try to silence the crowd – it`s not only for this game. If that happens it means that you`re playing well. They didn`t manage a win against Manchester City but they will expect to beat us.”
Expect being the word that could be their undoing!
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea, with Rafa Benitez now in charge, will be without some key players. John Terry is continuing to serve the suspension imposed after the Anton Ferdinand incident whilst Frank Lampard is still troubled by a calf injury. Also missing through injury is Daniel Sturridge. Gary Cahill, suffering from a fever at the weekend, is now available t start if required.
Player to watch: David Luiz
A maverick and somebody who many feel can`t defend, but he`s a defender that loves to bring the ball out and that is something I appreciate, a ball playing defender. Besides, his lapses may give us the chance to nick a result.
Fulham Team News:
Out through suspension is Brede Hangeland whilst Martin Jol will be ruing the non-availability, through injury, of Simon Davies, Kieran Richardson, Bryan Ruiz and Alex Kacaniklic.The fixture also gives two former Chelsea players – Steve Sidwell and Damien Duff, the chance to return to Stamford Bridge.
Player to watch: Damien Duff
Will be keen to impress his former employers.
Match Facts & Stats
The only success we`ve had against Chelsea, in the last thirty odd games, came in March 2006, when we beat them 1-0 at Craven Cottage. Mind you we are getting better with the last three fixtures ending 1-1.
Ref Watch:
The man in charge on Wednesday evening is A. Taylor ably assisted by J. Collins and S. Ledger with Andre Marriner as the fourth official.
Match Prediction:
Can we get that elusive first win at Stamford Bridge in donkey`s years? I reckon we`ll never have a better opportunity and I also reckon Chelsea, despite all their talent, are there for the taking. A narrow Fulham win with Berbatov grabbing a late winner!
Next Fixtures:
Fulham, after two away games on the bounce, welcome Tottenham to Craven Cottage.
