Shevchenko benched by Mourinho

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has dropped Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko to the substitutes’ bench to accommodate Claude Makelele in midfield for their Prmiership clash with Fulham today.

England left-back Ashley Cole returns to replace Wayne Bridge, who also settles for a place on the bench.

Paulo Ferreira again deputises at the heart of the Chelsea defence in the absence of injured captain John Terry.

Fulham are without striker Heidar Helguson through suspension but Collins John is recalled in his place.

Chelsea: Hilario, Geremi, Ferreira, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Essien, Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, Drogba, Kalou.

Subs: Hedman, Shevchenko, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Morais.

Fulham: Niemi, Rosenior, Christanval, Bocanegra, Queudrue, Routledge, Volz, Brown, Radzinski, McBride, John.

Subs: Batista, Runstrom, Boa Morte, Zakuani, Omozusi.