Chelsea Vs Fulham: Pochettino Asks Players To Stay Sure

Chelsea are optimistic about facing Fuham in The West London Derby. (X/@ChelseaFC)

JAKARTA - Chelsea hopes to rise against Fulham in The West London Derby in the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Saturday, January 13 evening WIB.

Chelsea are in a bad phase. The 1-0 defeat to Championship Division Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semifinal tarnished Chelsea's journey to reach the trophy.

The chance to the final has not been closed because there is still one match at Chelsea's home at Stamford Bridge. However, the defeat slightly interfered with the focus of the players who will face Fulham in the West London derby.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino also hopes that the team will forget their disappointment over the defeat of the Championship team. Moreover, the Blues again played a match that was no less important in domestic competitions.

Chelsea need a win to improve their position in the standings. The performance of the team that is still ups and downs makes Chelsea still struggling on the middle board.

They are ranked 10th with 28 points. Same as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea are still ahead on goal difference.

Pochettino expressed confidence that Chelsea would be the key to playing derby. And that's what the Argentine man was about to raise ahead of the match against Fulham.

"The team has made thorough preparations. They must remain confident and confident in facing this match. I believe we will finish the match well," said Pochettino.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager admits Fulham is not an easy opponent even though he is currently ranked 13th. Like Chelsea who lost in the Carabao Cup, Fulham also had to admit Liverpool's lead 2-1.

"They are in good condition with the material of players who are no less good. Their performance is not bad," he said of Fulham.

Pochettino is optimistic that he will be able to get three points at home because the squad is starting to complete. Senior players Ben Chilwell and Benoit Badiashile have recovered so they can be played in derby.

Chilwell himself was absent for a long time after suffering a hamstring injury on September 27, 2023. He was injured in the Carabao Cup match against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Meanwhile, Badiashile has not been on the team since last December's victory over Crystal Palace.

In addition, young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has recovered from a knee injury. If fully fit, this English player can enter the squad.

On the other hand, Christopher Nkunku had to pull over again. This time, he had a pelvic injury so he was not included in the squad.

"It's good news because Chilwell and Benoit can already play. But we still see Chukwuemeka's condition, whether he can appear or not," said Pochettino.

Meanwhile, Fulham was again strengthened by veteran defender Tim Ream who had recovered from a calf injury. However, Adama Traore is still absent because she is still struggling with a thigh cedeta.

Fulham squad is also incomplete. Manager Marco Silva lost Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Fode Ballo-Toure who competed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Forecast OfChelsea's Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gallagher, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarbioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Liquidey; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez