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Fulham logo
Premier League
Mar 1, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

1-3

Heitinga (74')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Schurrle (52', 65', 69')

Preview: Fulham vs. Chelsea

Sports Mole previews the crucial West London derby at Craven Cottage as Felix McGath takes charge of bottom-of-the-table Fulham against title-chasing Chelsea.

Top meets bottom in the Premier League on Saturday as title-chasing Chelsea travel to lowly Fulham for a West London derby that has a lot riding on it.

The Cottagers, who are currently four points from safety and without a win in seven top-flight match, have called upon Felix Magath to save them from relegation.

The experienced German coach saw three points snatched from him in his first game in charge last weekend as Matej Vydra struck an 85th-minute equaliser for West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

On the other hand, Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 outings and were the beneficiary of a late goal when veteran pairing Frank Lampard and John Terry combined to sneak them over the line against Everton.

Fernando Torres responded to leaked quotes from Blues manager Jose Mourinho regarding his lack of striking options by scoring in Wednesday's 1-1 Champions League last-16 draw with Galatasaray.

However, Mourinho is likely to revert back to 32-year-old forward Samuel Eto'o for domestic duties, while Nemanja Matic should be restored in the centre of the park after being ineligible in midweek.

Oscar is another who could be recalled, to play the number 10 role in which Andre Schurrle operated in against the Turkish giants, as Chelsea go seeking a win that could take them four points clear of Arsenal.

Fulham's record signing Kostas Mitroglou is in contention to make his first start since signing from Olympiacos for £12m in January, with Hugo Rodallega possibly making way as the lone frontman.

Magath turned to more experienced heads for his debut draw, with Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland recalled, and John Arne Riise could join them in the XI at the expense of Fernando Amorebieta.

Recent form

Fulham: DLDDLL

Chelsea: DWLDWW

Possible starting lineups

Fulham: Stekelenburg; Riether, Heitinga, Hangeland, Risse; Parker, Sidwell; Dejagah, Holtby, Richardson; Mitroglou

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Matic, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o

Sports Mole says: 0-2


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Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge on August 18, 2013
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5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
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8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
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13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
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15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
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19Southampton10118719-124
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