The Big Preview - Fulham vs. Chelsea
Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert WakePREMIER LEAGUE, CRAVEN COTTAGE, SATURDAY 1ST MARCH 2014
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Summary
It’s top versus bottom at Craven Cottage on Saturday as struggling Fulham host title-chasing Chelsea at Craven Cottage. Fulham succumbed to a late West Brom equaliser last weekend, as Chelsea had done the previous week. Prior to that The Cottagers were a little unfortunate to lose a five-goal thriller to Liverpool, and earned a creditable draw at Old Trafford. New Manager, Felix Magath, is known as a strict disciplinarian, and time will tell whether his methods can keep them up. The visitors currently sit top of the league after a late, late win against Everton last weekend. The Blues now play twice before Manchester City are in Premier League action again, and have an opportunity to potentially move nine points clear of one of their rivals.
History
Chelsea have an impressive overall record against their near neighbours in recent years. Chelsea won the reverse fixture in September with a rare goal by Jon Mikel Obi and a second by Oscar. In the corresponding fixture last season, The Blues ran out comfortable victors with a brace from John Terry and a spectacular strike by David Luiz. The teams shared the spoils in the previous campaign, a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge being followed by a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage when Frank Lampard’s penalty was cancelled out by a late Clint Dempsey strike for Fulham. Fulham’s last league victory against Chelsea came in 2006 with a 1-0 win at The Cottage. Indeed, that is their only league triumph in this fixture since a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in 1979.
Team News
Magath recalled Hugo Rodallega up front last week supported by Lewis Holtby and Ashkan Dejagah, and it was Dejagah who scored Fulham’s goal. Former Blues Steve Sidwell and Scott Parker are likely to start in midfield, but will have their hands full with Nemanja Matic who is expected to return to the starting line-up having been cup-tied for the midweek trip to Turkey. New signing Mohamed Salah may also start as Mourinho looks to freshen things up after the team looked a little ‘leggy’ late on in Istanbul. Oscar only made a cameo appearance on Wednesday, and may also be recalled here, perhaps allowing the energetic Willian a much needed week off.
Prediction
The Blues have a good recent record at Craven Cottage, and coupled with Fulham’s poor home form, should give Chelsea the edge here. The midweek trip will have taken something out of the visitors though, and it could be tighter than some are predicting, but I still expect The Blues to prevail with a narrow victory.
Fulham 1-2 Chelsea
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