Chelseavs.Fulham

Marco Silva's side have put together a five-game unbeaten run since they fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers on November 23.

However, they have only recorded one victory in that period, having been involved in draws against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton.

The Cottagers played out a goalless affair in Sunday's home clash with basement side Southampton, leaving them in ninth position in the Premier League table and three points adrift of fifth-placed Bournemouth.

Fulham will be back in action on Boxing Day when they take on a Chelsea side that have avoided defeat in each of their previous nine Premier League matches.

Fulham looking to end 45-year wait in Chelsea clash

The Cottagers will have aspirations of following in the footsteps of Manchester and Liverpool by becoming the third team to beat Chelsea in the Premier League this season.

For that to happen, Fulham will have to beat their West London neighbours in an away game for the first time since they recorded a 2-0 victory in October 1979.

In the 45 years since that result, the Cottagers have drawn eight and lost 14 of their 22 competitive away games against Chelsea.

Fulham have also failed to score in any of their last six trips to Stamford Bridge since Clint Dempsey found the net in a 1-1 draw on Boxing Day 2011.

Thursday's visitors may at least be able to take some confidence from the fact they have avoided defeat in six of their last seven Premier League games on Boxing Day.

However, the only defeat in that period took place in last season's Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth, conceding three goals without reply in a heavy defeat at the Vitality Stadium.

What is Fulham's latest injury news?

If they are to claim all three points against Chelsea, Fulham have to do it without the services of Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harrison Reed.

Emile Smith Rowe is a doubt after sitting out the draw with Southampton, while it is also unclear whether Sander Berge will be ready for the West London derby.

"Sander took a big knock on his ankle and we need to keep assessing, we will make a decision tomorrow," Silva told reporters in Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"Emile is doing his work, let's see whether he will be ready for Chelsea or Bournemouth.

However, Silva is hopeful that midfielder Sasa Lukic will shake off a knock to play a role in Thursday's meeting with Enzo Maresca's side.

Andreas Pereira is set to return to the matchday squad after serving a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Written by

Ben Sully