Fulham will make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Friday, hoping to do the double over their west London rivals this season in the Premier League.
The Cottagers beat Graham Potter’s side 2-1 at home earlier this month thanks to goals from Willian and Carlos Vinicius. Since then, however, they have lost back-to-back league games against Newcastle United and Tottenham.
Marco Silva will expect a response from his boys against Chelsea, who will be eager to avenge their defeat at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva has a fully fit squad at his disposal to travel to Chelsea, with Neeskens Kebano the only long-term absentee for Fulham.
Goalkeeper
Marek Rodak was in goal in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend. However, Bernd Leno is the club’s No.1 and should retain his spot in goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Defence
In front of Leno, Tim Ream will function alongside Issa Diop at the heart of Fulham’s defence as they hope to keep the opposition at bay on Friday evening. Antonee Robinson is expected to replace Layvin Kurzawa at left-back having been rested against Sunderland in the FA Cup, whereas Kenny Tete hopes to catch the eye from the right-back position.
Both Robinson and Tete will hope to get forward and provide enough support to the attacking players. Tosin Adarabioyo, Shane Duffy and Kurzawa will provide cover for defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Joao Palhinha has made a huge impact at Fulham since moving from Sporting Lisbon in the summer. He is one of the first names on the team sheet and should partner Harrison Reed in the middle of the park against Chelsea.
The pairing of Palhinha and Reed have to be smart and crisp with their passing if they are to dominate the hosts in the centre of the pitch. Andreas Pereira is Fulham’s creative glue, with most of the attacks going through him. The Brazilian will be their main playmaker in the final third as he hopes to unlock the Chelsea backline with his movement, vision and set-piece deliveries.
Attack
Aleksandar Mitrovic will lead the line for Fulham against Potter’s side. The Serbian striker would be eager to produce a good display when he faces off against the Chelsea defenders at Stamford Bridge. Willian and Bobby Decordova-Reid are expected to join Mitrovic in the Fulham attack, with the two wideman looking to create chances for the Serbian in the box.
Daniel James, Carlos Vinicius and Harry Wilson will have to settle for a spot on the bench as they await their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if Silva opts to call upon their services.
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