Strongest Chelsea Line Up To Play Against Fulham – Start Matic And Ramires Together

A vital London derby awaits for different reasons as Chelsea, who are currently at the zenith of the Premier League table, travel to Craven Cottage to take on relegation threatened Fulham. Felix Magath’s side are currently at the bottom of the table and in all probability will go down despite the former Bayern Munich manager’s presence. Craven Cottage provides a different challenge for Jose Mourinho’s men but the Blues shouldn’t drop any points in their quest for the Premier League title.

Chelsea come into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw against Galatasaray in the first leg of the Champions League in Turkey, with their last Premier League game being the lucky “Champion-esque” 1-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge last week. Fulham however couldn’t grab three points against West Brom last week despite leading but will definitely give their best stop Chelsea this week.

Here is Chelsea’s projected strongest line up against the Cottagers.

Goalkeeper:

Petr Cech will be under the sticks and the Czech International as always will have to be on top of his game for the encounter. Chelsea this season have been ill prone to concede goals in every match, like the Galatasaray clasg has suggested.

Defence:

Chelsea’s best player for the past few weeks, Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta will again start in the left back position while Serbian bulldozer Branislav Ivanovic is expected to play in right back. Both of Chelsea’s full backs will look to overlap the wingers up front and provide crosses into the box. John Terry and Gary Cahill will continue to play at the heart of the Chelsea back four.

Midfield:

Nemanja Matic, having sat out of the Champions League is sure to start alongside Ramires in the middle of the park. It depends on whether Mourinho is likely to drop the out of form Oscar from the customary number ten role or continues to use the Brazilian.

If this at all happens, Lampard will play alongside Matic and Ramires will play in a more advanced role which provides more flexibility to Chelsea’s midfield as the hard working Brazilian can also play in a central defensive midfield role, giving the license to Lampard to barge forward. Eden Hazard and Willian are expected to play on the flanks and will look to make forays behind the Fulham back line.

It is still not clear if Chelsea’s winter recruit, Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah will get his first start in a Blues shirt.

Strike Force:

Fernando Torres managed to get on the score sheet in Turkey as well as squandered a golden opportunity to put the game to bed, so it is tough to get on the minds of Mourinho for this one. I am guessing Eto’o will be given the nod ahead of the Spaniard.