Ray Lewington’s Development Squad make the short journey to Cobham this afternoon to face Chelsea (KO 2.05pm) as the Whites look to make up some ground at the top of the table.
Defeat in their last outing away to Aston Villa saw Fulham miss the chance to reach the summit but victory this afternoon will put things back on course, as well as move us away from our local rivals in the league. Chelsea are currently three points behind having played a game more.
The loss at Villa was a first in six for Fulham and victory today could see the team climb to within two points of the league leaders but it will require a disciplined display to see out a Chelsea side who are the division’s top scorers with 28 goals from 15 matches.
The reverse fixture at Motspur Park in November saw the Blues recover from two goals down to snatch a draw. Orlando Sa and Tom Donegan goals had seen the Whites go in at half-time comfortably ahead but a rejuvenated Chelsea side earned a point through a Milan Lalkovic strike and a Nathaniel Chalobah effort. The visitors then could have won it after being awarded a late penalty but Lalkovic blazed his kick over the bar.
Chelsea Reserve team boss Dermot Drummy is hopeful of having the luxury of several first-team players at his disposal, and may hand a debut to £1.5m January signing Patrick Bamford.
Follow this afternoon's Reserve match live on the Club's official Twitter feed|. A post match report will be published on fulhamfc.com shortly after the final whistle.