The Premier League resumes from the FA Cup break on Thursday evening when two London rivals meet when Fulham play host to Chelsea in what feels like a huge match for both teams at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea really need a result after a dreadful run of form, to keep the knives from being sharpened as much as anything else, while a win for Fulham would validate them as a genuine chance to push for European football this season.
Where to watch
The match will be shown live and in full on the BT Sport 1 channel with an extensive build-up to the derby beginning at 7pm with kick off at the Cottage at 8pm.
Fulham
The initial aim for any promoted side is to ensure there is a second season of Premier League football to follow. This match represents the halfway mark in the campaign for Fulham after it was cancelled earlier in the year due to the passing of the Queen and already they are in no danger of dropping back down to the Championship so the remainder of their first year back in this division is now about seeing if they can push for European football.
That is a sign of the work Marco Silva has done with Fulham but it is also testament to the strength of squad which they have now which they probably never have had before at this level. They still need to improve defensively and it would be no surprise if another defensive option or two came in during the window but they have created a bit of a free hit at their rivals here and will not be lacking in motivation to take it.
Chelsea
Their fans might not like it but this is a transitional season for Chelsea both on the pitch and off of it. They are making different moves under the new owner off the pitch and on it they are having to transition their style under Graham Potter and in time that will come with different personnel. The squad he was left with don’t really suit him so the remainder of the campaign is about putting the pieces together ready for something big next season.
Potter will know though that if he doesn’t pick up enough results to keep Chelsea respectable in the league that a second campaign will not be guaranteed. The first thing he has to do here is get some energy and some fighting spirit into this side because they have looked limp and devoid of ideas in their last two outings, albeit both were against Manchester City. I would imagine he’ll get some slack if people can see that an improvement is coming.
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Team News
Fulham will have to face their closest rivals without their leading marksman Aleksandar Mitrovic who is suspended having picked up a fifth yellow card last time out. Shane Duffy and Neeskens Kebano are also unavailable.
Chelsea have a huge injury list to contend with for this match and Christian Pulisic has added his name to it. Joao Felix has come in as a replacement but it remains to be seen if he has been registered in time. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is said to be available.
Betting
There is a lot of doom and gloom around Chelsea at the present time but they are a proud club with great players and a top notch manager and they will come good soon and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if they come out fighting here. Fulham are a team full of confidence and on the up and I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue their good form against weakened prey but I am acutely aware that Chelsea are better than they have shown recently.
I’ll leave the match betting alone as Fulham are without Mitrovic but I will side with a Fulham player to hit the target. You can get odds against on Willian to do that and I think that is a good price. I always like backing players who are playing against the former club as there is always a bit of extra motivation to prove a point and Chelsea are a very regimented side defensively so those players who can find the pockets and get between the lines can cause them problems. Willian has plenty of quality and the 11/10 that he hits the target is too big.
Tips
Back Willian – 1+ shots on target for a 3/10 stake at 2.10 with Betway
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