Chelsea start a hectic festive season with a home fixture against local rivals, Fulham.
Vital Quotes:
Once again Jose Mourinho chose not to attend the pre-match press conference instead sending along Didier Drogba to answer the questions from the assembled media hacks. Indeed, Didier made a point of emphasising that Chelsea see complaceny as one of the dangers they face in a festive programme that will see them play Fulham, Manchester City, Birmingham City and West Ham United.
Speaking in remarkably good English, Didier explained ‘We can still be caught, anything can happen in football, so we have to be careful.’
Wise words indeed as Chelsea seek to extend, or at least maintain, their lead at the top of the Premiership with Manchester United and Liverpool looking to close the gap.
Chelsea Team News:
For the home team it would appear that both Damien Duff and Asier Del Horno are out of contention for this fixture, due to injury. Also, rumours are circulating that John Terry may also be doubtful after turning an ankle in training during midweek. With some media outlets also reporting that Arjen Robben is also doubtful, Mourinho may well find that his options for the fixture are being limited. Normally, John Terry would defy the pain to play, however, with a fixture gainst Manchester City, on Wednesday, awaiting the team, Mourinho may well be cautious knowing that it would be far better for John Terry to miss the one game than rule himself out of the next three.
Indeed, Terry’s potential woe may open the door for young Robert Huth thereby pleasing a certain Jurgen Klinsmann who is currently campaigning for the defender to be given more first team games in the run up to the World Cup.
Thankfully, with a plethora of talent at his disposal, Mourinho should still be able to field an eleven that is more than capable of beating Fulham.
We expect the following eleven to take up the challenge Fulham will bring to Stamford Bridge:
Cech, Ferreira, Terry (or Huth), Carvalho, Gallas, Essien, Lampard, Makelele, Cole, Drogba, Wright-Phillips
Player to watch: Michael Essien
After once again being caught in the public spotlight after a dubious challenge, all eyes will be focussed on Essien as he tries to impose himself on the game. After having pleaded his innocence over the controversial Lauren challenge, an innocence we all agree with, Essien will be desperate to let his play do the talking. Expect numerous box to box runs, several hearty challenges and the usual desire to do everything possible for his team to win.
Fulham Team News:
If Mourinho has a possible opportunity to bemoan a few injury problems then Chris Coleman must have run over a black cat. Definitely out are Steed Malbranque, Claus Jensen, Moritz Voltz and Carlos Bocanegra. Doubtful are Papa Bouba Diop, Luis Boa Morte and Collins John.
Player to watch: Papa Bouba Diop
If fit, Papa Bouba Diop, has the ability to make it an interesting afternoon in midfield. His power, strength and natural running ability will ensure Essien and Lampard will have to be at the top of their game to cope. Diop also has the ability to shoot from long range, a fact that will not be lost on Cech after the brilliant goal he scored in the fixture at Craven Cottage last season.
Match Facts & Stats
Chelsea usually do well against their near neighbours. Last season all six points were tucked away amongst the ninety-five points that contributed to our first top flight title success for fifty years. A Carling Cup victory also ensured that Fulham knew exactly who were the kings of West London.
Match Prediction:
After a close start expect Chelsea to grind out a familiar victory extending the run of consecutive clean sheets to a club record eight. 2-0 to the home side.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea travel to Manchester City on Wednesday 28th December for their last away fixture of 2005