The State of Play
Cole Palmer’s brilliance played a crucial role in securing Chelsea’s hard-fought victory away at Luton in their most recent league match. Despite the valiant efforts of former Blues midfielder Ross Barkley in the final 10 minutes, Mauricio Pochettino’s team managed to escape Kenilworth Road with the coveted three points.
The pursuit of a European spot now seems like an improbable task, making each upcoming match a critical opportunity for Chelsea to regain momentum.
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A 1-0 setback in the first leg of the League Cup against Middlesbrough has cast a shadow over Chelsea’s aspirations of winning silverware this year. Winning in the league is not only crucial for their standings but also for the confidence needed to overturn the deficit in the cup tie.
Participating in midweek EFL Cup proceedings, Fulham suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at Anfield, despite initially taking the lead in the first half against the Premier League leaders. Willian’s goal provides the Cottagers with a glimmer of hope as they prepare for the return leg, aiming to turn the tide in their favour.
Similar to their counterparts in West London, Fulham’s season has been marked by inconsistency, featuring glimpses of brilliance and moments of disappointment.
Team News
Mauricio Pochettino has stated that Carney Chukwuemeka is ‘so close’ to returning to the first team, while defensive duo Benoit Badiashile and Ben Chilwell will be available for the squad once again.
However, Christopher Nkunku, who has not trained for ten days, remains unavailable. Trevoh Chalobah has returned, but Robert Sanchez and Wesley Fofana are still out.
Harrison Reed, who featured against Liverpool in midweek, has been unwell and is described as still not ‘perfect’ by Marco Silva, but there is still time for the Englishman to recover ahead of the short trip to Stamford Bridge.
Adama Traore is unavailable due to injury, while Fode Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi are on international duty with Nigeria at AFCON.
Expected Line-ups
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Broja
Fulham: Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
What they Said
Maurizio Pochettino on facing a strong Fulham side:
“The last game at Liverpool they played in the Carabao Cup semi-final, they’re a good team with good players and are doing very well and they’re going to be tough tomorrow. They are in a very good moment, they are performing well.”
When and How to Watch
This match will be televised live on TNT Sports, and can be streamed on discovery+.
Prediction
Under Pochettino’s guidance, Chelsea have rediscovered their winning formula on home turf. Additionally, the squad benefits from an extra 24 hours of rest, setting the stage for a probable victory on Saturday.
