English Premier
2013-04-17 - Fulham vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Wednesday 17 April 2013 - Kick Off 8pm
Fulham
There isn't a lot for Fulham to play for towards the end of the season, although Martin Jol will be demanding his players finish on a high and earn themselves a top half position. They may also be motivated by the fact they have a couple of big London derbies at home in the coming days and a chance to put the spanner in the works for a West London rival in this game.
They are currently 10th in the Premier League and their 40 points total is virtually enough to guarantee them a place in the top flight again next season. Fulham have a 7-3-5 record at home this season, scoring 25 goals and conceding 19 in those games.
Fulham have only lost 1 of their last 7 games in the Premier League and even that defeat came with around the last kick of the game at Newcastle United. They have lost just 1 of their last 6 games at Craven Cottage in all competitions, while Fulham have won 3 of their last 4 games in front of their own fans.
Two former Chelsea players will not be playing in this game- Damien Duff is injured and Steve Sidwell completes a suspension.
Chelsea
And then there was one- a season that promised so much for Chelsea as the reigning European Champions has seen them left with just the Europa League as a competition they can win. However, the key element of Rafa Benitez' reign at the club will come down to whether Chelsea are back in the Champions League next season and they are in a tight battle with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for a top four place.
Arsenal have played twice since Chelsea have last played in the Premier League, but they are only 2 points ahead of the Blues who have 2 games in hand. Chelsea are 4th in the Premier League, but only thanks to goal difference which shows how tight things are between the three sides going for two places. They bring in a 7-3-5 away record where Chelsea have scored 26 goals and conceded 20.
Chelsea have lost back to back games coming into this game, while they have failed to win any of their last 4 games away from home. They have lost 3 of their last 4 away from home in all competitions, while Chelsea have lost 3 straight away games in the Premier League.
There are bound to be changes to the first team with a lot of games in quick succession for Chelsea and having played on Sunday. Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole are both missing.
Head to Head
Chelsea and Fulham drew 0-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season meaning the last 5 games between these teams have ended in draws.
Fulham are unbeaten in 3 of their last 4 at home against Chelsea, but they have failed to win any of their last 6 at Craven Cottage against their local rivals.
Prediction
Fulham haven't been as solid at Craven Cottage as in previous seasons, but they could be playing Chelsea at the right time. With Arsenal failing to beat Everton, Chelsea are in the driving seat for a top four place, but they have played a lot of games recently.
Chelsea have also struggled to win games away from home recently and I have a feeling this could be yet another draw between these West London rivals.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea
