Chelsea vs Fulham Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea welcome West London neighbours Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night looking to reignite their title hopes.

Rafael Benitez will be hope to secure his first win since being installed as interim boss at Stamford Bridge after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City in his first game in charge.

The result leaves the Blues without a win in their last five league games and now sit fourth in the table, five points off leaders Man Utd.

Like the hosts, Fulham are also winless in their last five encounters and lost their last two on the bounce including Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Stoke City, so Martin Jol will be desperate for a result against their rivals tonight.

However, the Cottagers have a poor recent record at the Bridge having won none of their last 15 visits.

Team News

Chelsea will continue to be without the services of captain John Terry, who’s out with a knee injury. Boss Benitez will also be without Frank Lampard who remains out with a calf problem, while striker Daniel Sturridge is also out with a hamstring strain.

Defender Gary Cahill has recovered from illness but is likely to start from the bench as the home side stick with the same back four that kept a clean sheet against the champions on Sunday.

Fulham have a number of key men missing for the trip including captain Brede Hangeland, who serves a three match ban. Alex Kacaniklic, Bryan Ruiz and Kieran Richardson are all missing with hamstring problems, while Simon Davies remains out with a hip injury

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

The pressure is on Rafa Benitez with large sections of supporters disgruntled at his appointment, but tonight’s game represents a good opportunity for the Spaniard to get some fans on-side. Fulham are on a poor run and Chelsea are on a 12-match unbeaten run against them, and we can see the home side winning this one. Chelsea 2-0 Fulham.

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.