12 January 2023 , 07:00
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Fulham will be aiming to retain their status as west London's top outfit when they host Chelsea on Thursday night.
The Cottagers have surprised many upon their return to the top flight and will take on their neighbours for the first time after their match earlier this season was postponed. Marco Silva's side have won three on the bounce since returning from the World Cup.
Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester have all been beaten since Boxing Day whilst Chelsea have endured rather differing fortunes. Both Fulham and Brentford side above the Blues currently as pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.
The Chelsea boss saw his side lose twice to Manchester City last week, the second defeat ending their FA Cup hopes for this year. They've won just one of their last eight and recently dropped points at struggling Nottingham Forest. Defeat at Fulham would make life particularly difficult for the former Brighton boss.
Chelsea's injury list continues to stack up with the likes of Reece James, Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all missing the last game. New signing Joao Felix, who joined on loan from Atletico Madrid, could yet feature for the Blues.
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The visitors will also have to keep Aleksandar Mitrović under control with the Serbian in impressive form. He added to his goal tally, which now stands at 11, with the winner at Leicester last week. Fulham are seeking a first win against Chelsea since 2006 - back when Jose Mourinho was in charge at the Bridge.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been a standout performer for Fulham this term (PA)Chelsea are currently 10 points off the top four but can close on some of their rivals with a win. Fulham meanwhile could go ahead of Liverpool into sixth, even if they only pick up a point.
When is the match?
Fulham will host Chelsea on January 12 at Craven Cottage with kick-off at 8pm.
How can I watch it?
BT Sport 1 will be the place to go to watch the west London derby. Coverage and build-up begins at 7pm.
Subscribers who are out and about can follow the match via the app or website on their phones, tablets or laptops.
Match odds
Fulham - 23/10
Draw - 5/2
Chelsea - 23/20
*odds provided by BetFred, subject to change
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