Fulham vs Chelsea

1/1- This one is a great example of the top team against the bottom team tie, with the third placed Chelsea visiting the 19^th spot Fulham. Both the teams have exactly opposite positions and records this season, while Chelsea have lost just one of their last 10 matches. Fulham have only managed to win one. But a common problem for both the teams is the injury list they currently bear. Chelsea have been good away from home this season as well and hence Fulham should not pose a huge challenge for Murinho’s side but they would hate to relax or take it for granted. Chelsea get into this match following a 2-1 win over Newcastle at home on the 29^th of December while Fulham traveled across to Birmingham and returned with a point following a 1-1 score line. Out of the last 13 matches played between the sides the blues have been able to manage 7 wins while 5 have been draws, leaving Fulham with just a solitary victory.

 

Chelsea would be banking on Shevchenkov to deliver the goods in this match as Drogba and Lampard would be missing out from the tie. However the return of Cole and Carvalho would have a good impact on the defense of the side. Kalou would be another name that could appear on the score sheet as he has already registered 4 goals this season. Chelsea are just 4 point behind Man U and would be hoping to close that gap as well as move away from the 4^th placed Liverpool who seem to be catching up all the time.

 

Fulham on the other hand would be in search of some inspiration to help them revive their struggling campaign this year. The new year and home crowd might just help them to try and achieve it but against a team of the caliber of Chelsea, it could be quite difficult.

 

Prediction: 0-2, Chelsea win