Anelka, Ballack on Chelsea bench

Nicolas Anelka, the leading scorer in the Barclays Premier League, and Michael Ballack wer dropped to the bench as Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari made two changes for the short trip to Fulham.

Deco and Florent Malouda returned to the side as Chelsea attempted to remain on the heels of Premier League pace-setters Liverpool, who had opened a four-point lead with victory at Newcastle earlier in the day.