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Chelsea welcome West London neighbours and former boss Claudio Ranieri to Stamford Bridge as both sides lock horns on Sunday. Both outfits have endured contrasting expeditions thus far in the season, but three points will be highly quintessential for each of their personal targets.
The Blues are unbeaten in their last 25 league matches against their rivals, with their last defeat being a 0-1 defeat way back in March 2006. Fulham will definitely have their task cut out, as their last win on this ground came 54 years back.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the game.
Chelsea v Fulham: Kickoff information
Date: 2 December 2018
Kickoff: 12:00 (local time), 17:30 (IST)
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Chelsea v Fulham: Team News
Chelsea:
Eden Hazard, who missed the midweek fixture against PAOK due to an ankle strain, will be assessed right before the game. Olivier Giroud picked up a knock in the second half of the previous outing and thus, should start on the bench with Morata leading the line.
Elsewhere, first team stars such as Antonio Rudiger, N'Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz are expected to be drafted straight back into the starting XI.
Fulham:
The visitors are expected to line up in the 4-2-3-1 shape as they did in the 3-2 win over Southampton. The fans will be delighted to see their favourite Ryan Sessegnon down the flanks with lesser defensive duties to conduct.
As far as injuries are concerned, Ranieri will be without the services of Andre Anguissa and Kevin McDonald.
Chelsea v Fulham: Probable line-ups
Chelsea (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Willian, Morata, Hazard
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Rico; Christie, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand; Chambers, Seri; Schurrle, Cairney, Sessegnon; Mitrovic
Chelsea v Fulham: Form Guide
Last 5 matches (in all competitions)
Chelsea: W-L-D-W-W
Fulham: W-L-L-L-L
Chelsea v Fulham: Head-to-head
Chelsea wins: 46
Fulham wins: 11
Draws: 26
Chelsea v Fulham: Key players
Chelsea:
Willian's pace, precision and intelligence coupled with Fulham's issues down the left side of their defence will lay a platform for the Brazilian to go out there and supply goals for his side. If Hazard remains absent, the onus will be on the 30-year-old to seal the three points.
Fulham:
Fulham's defensive frailties need addressing and not much can be done overnight, but their front four will have to give Chelsea a run for their money if they have to take something from the Bridge.
Andre Schurrle has been in fine goal-scoring form this season and once again, he will be asked to step up in a fixture that he enjoys playing - this time with the white and not the blue, albeit.
Chelsea v Fulham: Prediction
The game will see quite a few goals. Expect a plain sail for Sarri and co., with a couple of real chances going Fulham's way.
Predicted score: Chelsea 3-0 Fulham
