Chelsea’s closest neighbours Fulham are the hosts in a fixture that has been resurrected thanks to a successful promotion campaign last season on the part of the Craven Cottage side.
With former Chelsea midfielder Sc*tt P*rker in charge, the Cottagers are, as I write, struggling at the tail end of the table.
But, like many other Chelsea supporters, I hope that Fulham can maintain their top-flight status in order that the most convenient of all away fixtures can be enjoyed by match going attendees next season.
I know many Chelsea supporters were delighted when Fulham were relegated but personally, I am pleased when they are down to play a league fixture against the Stamford Bridge side as I would rather stay local than make a trip north of Watford to cheer my side on as they fulfil their commitments ‘eight days a week’.
The Cottagers’ form has, according to those who take an interest in their fortunes, improved and their midweek duel against Sp*rs saw them earn a good point at Three Point L*ne.
As in the case of Chelsea’s recent game against Arsenal, the SW6 derby is a game that Chelsea have every chance of losing and, as has been seen ever since Frank Lampard has taken charge.
So anything less than a win will give rise to a plethora of negative comments to be posted on social media with the large majority of them coming from people who appear to have no experience of either actually attending a live Chelsea game or even understanding what the term ‘support’ actually means.
Ex-Chelsea youth player Ola Aina – on-loan at Craven Cottage from his parent club Torino – will be likely to feature as the 24-year-old has been in good form and playing well under the guidance of Fulham manager.
The last meeting between Chelsea and Fulham was in 2019 when Chelsea returned to Stamford Bridge with all three points after goals scored by Gonzalo Higuain and Jorginho gave The Blues a 2-1 win on the banks of the River Thames.
Meanwhile a goal each from Pedro and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the youngster being currently on-loan with Fulham – saw Chelsea inflict a 2-0 defeat at home of The Blues.
As far as the result is concerned, I’ll be sticking my neck out and placing a bet on a 3-0 win for Super Frank Lampard’s XI, which is 13.00 with our good friends at FansBet.
About the Author
Londoner David Johnstone is a home, away and European away Chelsea supporter and has missed just six matches since 2001 (although he’s quick to state there are plenty of other supporters with better attendance records than him).
He has been involved with the fanzine scene at Chelsea since around 1991 and started the ‘cfcuk’ fanzine in 1999 which was, until Mr Abramovich bought the club in 2003, named ‘Matthew Harding’s Blue And White Army’.
David was also responsible for forming both the Chelsea Supporters’ Group and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust which are the main two bodies that represent the followers of Chelsea FC and take their concerns to those running the club.
A founder of the highly regarded Chelsea FanCast weekly podcast (but is no longer involved) and responsible for the crowd surfing banners and supporter displays that are seen in the Matthew Harding Stand at Stamford Bridge on matchday.
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