Chelsea heads back to Stamford Bridge following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough, just a day before Marco Silva's Fulham experienced a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool. However, Chelsea's 4-0 triumph over Preston North End in the FA Cup serves as a positive build-up for their upcoming clash with another Championship side, Middlesbrough.
Chelsea faced Middlesbrough during a challenging period for the Boro squad, dealing with injuries, ineligible players, and international call-ups. Despite the odds, Michael Carrick's team emerged victorious in the EFL Cup, led by the impressive performance of Hayden Hackney.
The question of whether Middlesbrough can repeat their success at Stamford Bridge on January 23 remains uncertain. But before Chelsea can contemplate revenge and a potential Wembley trip, their current priority, according to Pochettino, is securing a third successive Premier League win.
Although Chelsea ended 2023 with wins over Crystal Palace and Luton Town, they find themselves in 10th place with a three-point gap to make up for reaching seventh-placed Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite a challenging period at Stamford Bridge from January 2023 to November 2023, Chelsea improved their home form in December. However, it has been since July 2020 that they last secured four consecutive top-flight wins at home.
Fulham, on the other hand, progressed to the FA Cup fourth round before their EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Despite taking a surprise lead through Willian in the first half, Fulham eventually succumbed to Liverpool's comeback, losing 2-1.
Silva's focus is now on improving Fulham's abysmal away form in the Premier League. While they defeated Arsenal in their final 2023 fixture, Fulham has suffered four consecutive away losses, conceding at least three goals each time.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage in October, thanks to quickfire goals from Mykhaylo Mudryk and Armando Broja. The Blues haven't lost at home to Fulham in 45 years, with the last defeat occurring in October 1979 in a Division Two fixture.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Besides Nicolas Jackson, who is representing his country in the Africa Cup of Nations, a number of injured Chelsea players will be sidelined this weekend. The list includes Wesley Fofana (knee), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Robert Sanchez (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Reece James (hamstring), and Romeo Lavia (thigh).Christopher Nkunku, dealing with a fresh hip concern, will also be absent, adding to Chelsea's challenges. However, Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), and Benoit Badiashile (unspecified) have returned to full training, and it's anticipated that the former and latter will be part of the squad for this match.
In a somewhat surprising move, manager Pochettino chose not to deploy Armando Broja at the tip of the attack in the previous game. However, Pochettino clarified that this decision was aimed at managing Broja's workload. It wouldn't be surprising to see him back in the starting XI for this match.
On the Fulham side, veteran defender Tim Ream returned to the matchday squad for the semi-final against Liverpool, recovering from a calf issue. However, he remained an unused substitute. Adama Traore (thigh) is still unavailable, and Harrison Reed, who took a knock at Anfield, may be replaced by Tom Cairney due to concerns about his fitness.
Due to their Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Fode Ballo-Toure are not available. Despite potential fatigue, most of Silva's starters from the Wednesday game are expected to be in the starting lineup again, unless adjustments are required due to tiredness.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Fulham
Chelsea didn't impress in their attacking efforts at the Riverside Stadium. However, under Pochettino, the team has regained its ability to secure victories at home. Additionally, they will have the advantage of enjoying an extra day of rest, setting the stage for a potentially satisfying derby victory on Saturday.
