EPL News: Chelsea versus Fulham Preview
Team News
The Blues have a list of fresh injuries, with their previously injured players not having returned to full fitness. Brazilian defender Alex and French striker Nicolas Anelka are doubtful after they picked up injuries, knee and back respectively.
Frank Lampard is yet to make his return; the midfielder has been out for quite a few weeks now. He was set to return against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League fixture, which was delayed. It was then announced that he would return against Liverpool,
but he was rested further by manager Ancelotti.
However, Michael Essien seems to have recovered from the toe injury and despite being unable to play against Liverpool, the midfielder returns to face Fulham. Essien has proven to be an excellent player for Chelsea and the Blues missed him in the 2-0 loss
to Liverpool at Anfield.
Arguably the best striker in the world right now, Didier Drogba, has declared that he will play for the Blues despite having been diagnosed with malaria. The striker had been feeling ill for a while now, which is why he only made an appearance in the second
half against Liverpool.
Carlos Salcido, the Mexican defender, will be unavailable for tonight’s trip to Stamford Bridge. In fact, the Mexico international is sidelined for over three weeks; he suffered ankle ligament damage in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa over the weekend.
Fulham will also be missing another defender, Chris Baird. Baird suffered a tear in his thigh during the match which was aggravated during training. It was reported that the Fulham defender would be sidelined for at least ten days.
Match Facts
The Blues have won five and lost none of their last eight meeting with Fulham in the Premier League.
Didier Drogba has scored in his last three appearances against Fulham. Chelsea have gone 781 minutes without conceding a goal at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Ancelotti’s side have won 15 and lost only one of their last 16 matches at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Fulham are on their way to set a new record, they have won none of their last 23 away matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea have only lost 3 of their last 125 home games. Fulham have only won 4 of their last 43 away games.
Last Premier League Game Line-up:
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov (Sturridge 76), Kalou (Drogba 46), Anelka, Malouda.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird (Kelly 58), Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido (Duff 69), Davies, Greening (A Johnson 59), Murphy, Gera, Dembele, Dempsey.
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