Chelsea are aiming for a swift response to winning ways and quieten the noise after the 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the League Cup game in midweek. The defeat raised questions about the team's progress under their Argentinian manager since he took over in the summer.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino though has been boosted by the return to training of Ben Chilwell, Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka ahead of the game.
They are however without Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah. Nkunku's injury in particular is a source of concern to Pochettino who admitted he was worried given the striker hasn't been able to train in the last 10 days due to a hip injury he picked up in training.
His absence is further heightened by Nicolas Jackson's unavailability. The young forward who has bagged seven goals is away in the Ivory Coast for the AFCON and is not expected back till February. Pochettino has now been left with London-born Albanian forward Armando Broja who is still finding his optimum fitness after almost a year out with injury.
Pochettino hasn't lost in his last five outings against Fulham and Chelsea are without a defeat in their last five home games so this should be one that they'd come in hoping to continue their recent dominance. Raheem Sterling is back in the team but find out who else is in here.
1. Djordje Petrovic -6
Made a brilliant save to deny Wilson in the first half and took cross with so much ease . | Getty Images
2. Levi Colwill- 6
Put in Chelsea's first cross of the game and despite a nervy start to the game finished strongly. | Getty Images
3. Thiago Silva- 6
His passing, anticipation and decision making still as shinny as anyone out there. There are occasions where he gets caught out by pace but still just an important player. | Getty Images
4. Conor Gallagher-5
Difficult first half where he battled well but was missing the final touch. | Getty Images