Andre Villas-Boas recently insisted that Chelsea's Boxing Day fixture against Fulham was a must-win if the Blues are to stand any chance of challenging for the Premier League title this season.
The Portuguese boss will have to make do without the services of Branislav Ivanovic and John Obi Mikel though, both of whom limped out of Thursday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Centre-back David Luiz is facing a race against time to shake off a leg injury. Should the Brazilian fail a fitness test, young midfielder Oriol Romeu could deputise in defence.
Despite posing little threat to Manchester United on Wednesday night, Fulham boss Martin Jol is unlikely to recall Bobby Zamora up front.
Full-back Chris Baird is an injury doubt, meaning that Stephen Kelly is on stand-by.
Current form:
Chelsea: LWWWDD
Fulham: DDWLWL
Sports Mole says: 2-0
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
