Chelsea vs Fulham: Blues take on Marco Silva’s side in Premier League West London derby – team news, kick-off time

11 months ago 86

CHELSEA host Fulham in West London derby at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Mauricio Pochettino‘s men will be hoping to secure much needed three points this Saturday which can see his side move into 7th place in the Premier League

After losing to Aston Villa 0-1 back in the end of September, Chelsea had the worst start to a league campaign in 45 years[/caption]

After losing to Aston Villa in September, Chelsea had the worst start to a league campaign in 45 years.

Back in October, Chelsea got the better of Fulham by scoring TWO goals in a minute winning 2-0 at Craven Cottage.

Mykhailo Mudryk opened his account for the Blues to score his first goal in the reverse fixture last year.

Marco Silva’s Fulham will make the short trip to Stamford Bridge with hopes to secure a famous West London derby win.

Marco Silva’s side have only picked up one win against the ‘traditional’ top 6 clubs in the Premier League.[/caption]

A win for the Cottagers will send them one point off from Chelsea to end the day in 12th position.

Fulham have the fifth leakiest defence in the Premier League, conceding 35 goals.

However, Fulham’s luck may have turned in the last Premier League game after winning 2-1 against tittle challengers Arsenal

What is their form like?

Both clubs head into the derby off the back of a defeat midweek in their respective Carabao Cup semi-final first leg ties.

Chelsea have picked up three wins in their last five games in the league.

Pochettino’s side produced an emphatic 4-0 win against Preston North End in the 3rd round of the FA Cup last Saturday.

Brazilian veteran, Thiago Silva, 39, scored his first goal in the FA Cup with a guided header at the near post.

Just like Chelsea, Fulham entered the fourth round surpassing rock bottom Championship side Rotherham with a 1-0 win.

The Cottagers let their lead over Liverpool slip away last-night with the Reds scoring twice in three minutes.

Andreas Pereira set up fellow Brazilian Willian for the opening goal of the match.

Willian, 35, opening goal against Liverpool took the Brazilian’s goal tally to 5 in all competitions[/caption]

Curtis Jones deflected shot levelled the tie up. Minutes later Darwin Nunez turns provider for Cody Gakpo delicate finish to win the game for Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Fulham have only won once in their last four matches in the Premier League, however – but it was against Arsenal.

What is the team news?

Chelsea will still be without fellow defenders, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah and captain Reece James.

Đorđe Petrovic stay in goal is expected to continue with 1st team goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez still out with a knee injury.

Christopher Nkunku is facing another period on the sidelines with the forward unlikely to feature for Mauricio Pochettino’s men after sustaining a hip injury in training.

Carney Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell are currently being assessed for the fixture with return to the first team being imminent.

The Cottagers will be without Adama Traore as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.

Tim Ream will also be unavailable for the trip to Anfield due to an ongoing calf problem.

Fulham will definitely be without Calvin Bassey, Fode Ballo-Toure and Alex Iwobi due to commitments to AFCON.

Who will be the star men?

The man of the moment, Cole Palmer will be a key player for the Blues with the attacking midfielder being instrumental in Chelsea’s wins this season.

Referred to as ‘Cold Palmer’ by Blues fans, the former Man City man has been in brilliant form since moving to the capital.

Palmer, 21, will be looking to carry his shooting boots on Saturday with the midfielder registering 10 goals and 7 assists in all competitions.

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player this season[/caption]

After Fulham losing their top scorer, Alexandra Mitrovic last season, a lot has been made over their ability to score goals this season.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Raul Jimenez are the Cottagers joint top scorers with the pair scoring five in this leagues campaign.

Raul Jimenez has found his form again at Fulham[/caption]

With a much needed rest over their 1-0 win against Rotherham last Saturday, the Mexican forward will be raring to go to add to his seasons tally.

When is Chelsea vs Fulham?

Chelsea will face Fulham on Saturday, January 13.
The match is scheduled to get underway early afternoon at 12:30pm GMT.
Stamford Bridge will approximately host 39,000 fans for the West London derby.

What TV channel is Chelsea vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?

Chelsea vs Fulham will be broadcasted LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
Coverage of the will be expected to commence at 11:00pm GMT.
Alternatively, fans can turn streaming by watching the game LIVE on discovery+.
Follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage.