Date: Saturday 13th January, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm
Stadium Stamford Bridge
Referee Anthony Taylor (England)
Goal Scorer:
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino does not have any new injury concerns hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture. Against Fulham on Saturday, the Chelsea manager will be bereft of the services of at least nine first-team players.
Christopher Nkunku is the most notable absentee due to a hip injury. The French international accompanies Robert Sanchez (knee), Reece James (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (knee), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Trevoh Chalobah (hamstring), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), and Romeo Lavia (thigh) in the treatment room.
In addition, Nicolas Jackson is on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (knock), and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) are close to returning, although they might not be fit enough to start Saturday’s game.
Djordje Petrovic will continue deputising for Sanchez between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him. The backline should throw up no surprises, with Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill being the two full-backs, while Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva will form the central defensive pairing.
As for the midfield unit, Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez should pair up in the double pivot. The duo will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park but will not shy away from charging forward to link up with the attackers.
Speaking of the attack, Armando Broja will lead the line for Chelsea against Fulham, with Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Raheem Sterling supporting him in the final third. So, Noni Madueke will be an option on the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja
Fulham
Like his counterpart in the Chelsea dugout, Marco Silva does not have any new issues to deal with ahead of the short trip to Stamford Bridge. The Fulham manager will be without five first-team players on Saturday.
Tim Ream (calf) and Adama Traore (hamstring) remain on the sidelines due to their respective injuries. In addition, Calvin Bassey, Fode Ballo-Toure, and Alex Iwobi are unavailable as they are representing their respective national sides at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fulham will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Chelsea, with Bernd Leno taking his spot in the goal. Timothy Castagne, Tosin Adarabioyo, Issa Diop, and Antonee Robinson should form the defensive quartet this weekend.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Tom Cairney and the in-demand Joao Palhinha. Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian should be the two wide attackers, with Andreas Pereira pulling the strings from the no. 10 berth. Finally, Raul Jimenez will spearhead the Fulham attack against Chelsea.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
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