Fulham v Chelsea preview

Tale of the game

These West London rivals meet by the banks of the River Thames and Fulham will not need reminding that they have failed to beat their neighbours in the last six meetings.

In the last three seasons, Chelsea have won three and drawn three. Fulham’s last win over Chelsea came at Stamford Bridge in March 2006 when Luis Boa Morte scored early on and the visitors finished with 10 men following the late dismissal of William Gallas.

Chelsea remain joint top of winning their first two games, and their last seven including last season.

Fulham (Probable, 4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Gera, Duff, Murphy, Dempsey; Johnson, Zamora.

Chelsea (Probable, 4-4-2): Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovich, Terry, A Cole; Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Deco; Anelka, Drogba. Referee: Andre Marriner.

Last season: Fulham 2, Chelsea 2; Chelsea 3, Fulham 1.

Stat of the game: Chelsea’s seven straight wins is their best run since they won nine from January to April 2007.

Betting tip: If the first goal comes from Didier Drogba, you’ll get 4-1.