Fulham vs Chelsea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Chelsea make the short trip across London to take on Fulham on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues head into the weekend fixtures sitting one point above Arsenal and with the Gunners also playing at 3pm tomorrow, they will hope to at least maintain that advantage with a win against their West London rivals.

Jose Mourinho’s side warmed up for the game with a 1-1 draw away at Galatasaray on Wednesday evening in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, which saw them continue their unbeaten start to 2014.

Fulham on the other hand sit rock bottom of the division and are four points from safety, so new boss Felix Magath will be desperate to get off to a positive start in his first match at Craven Cottage.

Magath was pleased with his sides effort during last weekend’s 1-1 draw away at West Brom, but he’ll now be hoping they can go one better and pick up their first win since New Year’s Day. However, in order to do so, they’ll have to beat Chelsea at home for the first time in eight years.

Team News

Fulham have no fresh injury worries heading into the game and Magath has virtually a full-fit squad to choose from.

The new boss made several changes to the team for his first game in charge last week with the likes of John Arne Riise, Dan Burn and William Kvist dropped to the bench, and they may stay there as the German coach is expected to name an unchanged line-up.

Mourinho on the other hand could freshen things up by making a few changes from the side that drew in midweek.

Midfielder Nemanja Matic is certain to come back in having not made the trip to Turkey as he was ineligible to play after already featuring for Benfica in the group stages.  Frank Lampard is likely to make way.

Ramires is expected to be passed fit despite breaking his nose on Wednesday, but David Luiz could miss out with the same muscle injury that kept him out of the game in midweek.

Oscar is also expected to come back in with Andre Schurrle the man most likely to may way, while Fernando Torres will be hoping to retain his place up front after scoring against Galatasaray.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Eden Hazard: The Belgian has had a quite few games of late after a blistering start to the new year, but his quality can’t be disputed and we think he’ll be the one to watch tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea: The hosts are bottom of the league for a reason and not even the magic of Magath is going to save them from defeat against their rivals.

What team would you like to see start the game and whats your predicted score? Share your views below.