English Premier
2012-04-09 - Fulham vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Monday 9 April 2012 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV
Fulham
Fulham won 0-3 at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday which has seen them surpass the 40 point mark that usually means a team will survive in the Premier League, but don't be fooled into thinking they have nothing left to play for. Martin Jol will want his side to finish in the top half of the table, while a game against their bitter local rivals is not going to be one they ignore.
The team are 10th in the Premier League at the start of play and they are just 2 points behind Everton in 7th so a high League finish is definitely within their grasp. Fulham are 8-4-4 at Craven Cottage this season, scoring 31 goals and conceding 23.
The win at Bolton on Saturday means Fulham have won back to back League games following a run of 3 consecutive losses. They have now played 9 League games since they last drew a game, winning 5 of those games. They have won 6 of their last 8 home games in all competitions, including 3 of their last 4 in the League.
Bryan Ruiz could be ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a suspected broken foot at Bolton. Danny Murphy may return to the squad, while Pavel Pogrebnyak is going to need to pass a late fitness test.
Chelsea
Chelsea will still feel they can get into the Champions League, particularly with the struggles Tottenham Hotspur are going through, but they cannot afford to drop too many points down the stretch this season with the likes of Newcastle United a real rival for a top 4 berth. The Blues also have a FA Cup Semi Final and a Champions League Semi Final to look forward to over the next month.
A controversial 2-1 win over the weekend has pushed Chelsea to 3 points behind Spurs in the final Champions League spot. They will bring in a 6-5-5 away record to Craven Cottage, scoring 22 goals and conceding 17.
The team have only lost 1 of their last 10 games in all competitions under Roberto Di Matteo and they have won 4 games in a row coming into this one, although they have been fortunate to get late winners in the last two against Benfica and Wigan. Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-4 at Villa Park in their last away game in the Premier League, their first away win in 6 League games.
Ashley Cole will be missing for Chelsea again, but the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard could return. Michael Essien will also be absent for this game.
Head to Head
This is the third meeting between the teams this season, both taking place at Stamford Bridge and both finishing in draws.
That means the teams have been involved in 3 straight draws, including a 0-0 draw here last season.
2 of the last 3 games at Craven Cottage have ended with the sides sharing points, while Chelsea have won 3 times in the 5 games since Fulham last beat them here.
Prediction
This is going to be a passionate affair and a real test of Chelsea's credentials to finish in the top 4 in the Premier League.
Fulham have been inconsistent of late, but they are sure to be fully motivated against their local rivals and they have the ability to definitely test a Chelsea defence that has been a little hit or miss all season.
Chelsea themselves have been picking up the wins recently, but performances have not really been that impressive, and they were more than a little fortunate to beat Wigan on Saturday as both their goals should have been ruled out as offside decisions.
Chelsea also have not had a good time away from home in recent weeks in the Premier League, while they have drawn 3 straight times against Fulham and twice in their last three visits to Craven Cottage.
The draw here is priced at 3.50 and looks like it could be worth chancing.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Draw @ 3.50
