Chelsea v Fulham - Follow LIVE text commentary

28 December 2009 15:00

Chelsea v Fulham

Follow every kick as Chelsea take on Fulham at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League
on 28-Dec-2009, kick off time 15:00

Chelsea v Fulham Live


Table-toppers Chelsea welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge in yet another London derby in the Premier League.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping his team are over their sticky spell and ready to continue their charge at the summit.

The goalless Boxing Day draw with Birmingham City suggested not, but a major post-match boost came in the shape of Ancelotti successfully negotiating to delay Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou's departures for the African Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast to take part in this game.

John Obi Mikel is also available before he jets off to join up with Nigeria for the tournament in Angola.

Elsewhere, Nicolas Anelka is out with a calf strain so Daniel Sturridge or Fabio Borini may get the chance to face Brede Hangeland - should he shake off a knee knock - and Aaron Hughes at the heart of the Cottagers' defence.

The title candidates will still be without Michael Essien (hamstring) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) and they are due to make a return at the start of next year.

Roy Hodgson's magic wand is still bringing joy to Fulham as they sit comfortably in the top half of the table.

They should go to the Bridge and enjoy their day out knowing that any result would be a massive boost.

Following progression to the knockout stage of the Europa League, Fulham should take confidence going into 2010. Bobby Zamora has the opportunity to further impress after his goalscoring exploits of late.

Many are calling on the powerful front man to be called up by England boss Fabio Capello.

Simon Davies (ankle) and Diomansy Kamara (knee) face a race against time to make the squad, while Andrew Johnson is likely to be on the bench after proving his fitness following a lengthy lay-off with a groin injury.

Source: DSG