Fulham vs Chelsea Premier League preview, team news and prediction

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With Liam Rosenior looking to take charge afterwards , Chelsea will be in West London derby action on Wednesday evening as they make the short trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League.

Both teams snatched dramatic draws in their previous outings, with the Blues earning a 1-1 result at Manchester City thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser, while Fulham played out a 2-2 thriller with Liverpool, also salvaging a point at the death.

Calum McFarlane, Chelsea’s Under-21s head coach, was thrust into the spotlight following Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure and faced a daunting test at the Etihad on Sunday. Manchester City dominated for much of the match but failed to capitalise on their chances. After Tijjani Reijnders’s spectacular strike, Enzo Fernandez bundled home a last-gasp equaliser deep into injury time, sending the travelling Chelsea fans into jubilation.

While the result was a morale boost for both McFarlane and the Club World Cup holders, Chelsea head into Wednesday’s derby on a four-game winless streak in the league, leaving them just outside the Champions League places after 20 matches. However, with only a three-point gap to Liverpool and a superior goal difference, the Blues could climb back into the top four with a midweek victory, whether under McFarlane or the incoming Rosenior, who is reportedly close to being appointed.

Rosenior, if confirmed, will need to address Chelsea’s poor away form, as they have managed just one win in their last six away fixtures in all competitions, and none in their last four Premier League games on the road.

Fulham also benefited from late drama in their draw with Liverpool. After Cody Gakpo appeared to have sealed victory for the visitors, Harrison Reed stunned the champions with a remarkable long-range equaliser in the 97th minute—one of just three touches during his brief appearance. Gakpo’s yellow-card celebration for his goal quickly became a source of irony as Fulham snatched a point.

That result extended Fulham’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games, collecting 11 points from a possible 15. Now sitting 11th, the Cottagers are just three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, and another positive result could see them thrust back into the race for European qualification.

Despite being without Africa Cup of Nations trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, Marco Silva’s side have coped admirably, scoring in 11 of their 12 home matches this season—only failing to find the net against league leaders Arsenal.

However, Fulham’s recent record against Chelsea is less encouraging, with four defeats in their last five meetings, including a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in August. The Cottagers have only managed three Premier League wins over Chelsea in the modern era.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo was forced to sit out the clash with Manchester City due to suspension, but the Ecuadorian has now served his ban and is available for the derby. His return could see captain Reece James move back to his usual right-back position, especially if Malo Gusto is once again required to cover for Marc Cucurella (thigh), who remains a doubt along with Robert Sanchez (muscle) and Wesley Fofana (illness).

The Blues will definitely be without Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Dario Essugo (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), and Romeo Lavia (thigh), although Lavia could be back in contention in the next few weeks. Cole Palmer completed the full 90 minutes against Manchester City without issue, but having featured heavily over the festive period, he may be rested for the trip to Craven Cottage.

For Fulham, their Africa Cup of Nations contingent—Chukwueze, Bassey, and Iwobi—remain on international duty with Nigeria, while Rodrigo Muniz is ruled out with a thigh injury and won’t be fit in time for the Liverpool match. Kenny Tete (hamstring), Joshua King (knee), and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) are all doubtful, but Marco Silva is expected to stick with a similar squad to the one that faced Liverpool, where a back three proved effective.

Silva is unlikely to change that system for this match, though captain Tom Cairney is expected to make way for Sander Berge in midfield. Despite Harrison Reed’s spectacular goal, it may not be enough to earn him a starting spot.

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