Deja vu?
Chelsea got an important win midweek against Spurs at the Bridge and travel to Fulham this weekend to play another London Derby. Chelsea won 2-0 against Fulham at the Bridge in what was Ranieri’s first game after Jokanovic had got the sack. A sense of deja vu is there as Chelsea once again face Fulham for what is Scott Parker’s first game after Ranieri got the sack. Ranieri only managed to win 2 games since he was signed to become manager and all parties agreed that his sacking was the best option. Fulham had a great window but their defensive fragility has left them 19th in the table 10 points behind 17th. Scott Parker has been assigned as caretaker manager as Fulham probably hope accomplishes something along the lines of Ole’s performance at United.
As far as Chelsea are concerned they have a great opportunity to gain ground on United and especially Arsenal as Tottenham and Arsenal play in the North London Derby on Saturday. Sarri stated that it was tough to prepare for the game as they did not know how Parker would set up his team but Chelsea should still have enough to get a win. With a few decent fixtures up ahead Chelsea need to go on a run of winning games to create a foothold in the top four race and so Fulham is a great place to start. It probably will be a fiery atmosphere as Craven Cottage is a decent stadium and while Fulham might go through a new manager bounce Chelsea should dispatch them.
Chelsea Team Preview
Chelsea have a full squad to select from for the game although Sarri also has to think about Dynamo Kyiv’s visit midweek. Sarri has stated that Kepa should play one of the next two games and so I think he will start against Fulham. Zappacosta might start at right back with Luiz and Christensen in the middle supported by Emerson on the left. Kovacic might start in the regista role with Kante and RLC starting ahead of him. Hazard, Higuain and Hudson-Odoi should start upfront.
Fulham Team Preview
Parker should have a decent squad to select from although with this being his first game in charge it is hard to understand what time of formation and team he will select.
Starting XI Prediction
We need to create consistency and every game from now till the end of the season is of equal importance. COME ON YOUU BLUES!!!
Park The Bus 