A rivalry that lacks spark

By Shaun Cronin

I have always found it curious how two clubs separated by the mere margin of two miles are not the most hostile of rivals, however this is certainly the case when you go about analysing the ‘West London Derby’ between Chelsea and Fulham.

When you look closely you can glean a couple of reasons. While there is no question in the mind of a Cottager that the Blues game is the first they look for on the fixture list, the same can not be said for a member of the Stamford Bridge faithful who would view Liverpool, the Manchester clubs and even those that reside in the north of the capital as juicier contests.

Indeed there is a level of apathy on the Chelsea side of this game that is hard to fathom.

When you add into the mix Fulham’s reputation as a family club with supporters among the most docile in the Premier League and the fact that the game itself has only become a permanent fixture on the football calendar in recent years, that may provide some justification as to why this derby fails to ignite.

Both teams are in desperate need of the points, Chelsea for their stuttering title bid while Fulham lay just four points above the relegation zone.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas faces a defensive crisis heading into the 1pm kick off with David Luiz struggling with a knee problem and having seen both Branislav Ivanović and utility back John Obi Mikel limp off on Thursday during the draw with Tottenham.

A recall for the transfer-listed Alex has been ruled out with Villas-Boas stating that if Luiz fails to recover José Bosingwa or Spanish youngster Oriol Romeu will deputise next to John Terry, who has his own troubles to deal with.

“Hopefully, David can return for contention for the game against Fulham. But, if not, from Oriol to Bosingwa, both can play in that position – and Paulo has done it in the past,” said the Portuguese gaffer.

Relief should come for Chelsea in January if you believe the rumours surrounding Bolton’s Gary Cahill.

Fulham for their part suffered a humiliating 0-5 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United on Wednesday and Martin Jol will be scratching his head at the lack of fight his side offered against the champions but head into this match with no fresh injury worries.

David Stockdale will continue in his role as understudy to the injured Mark Schwarzer in goals with the big Aussie likely to be out till February with a back injury.

Striker Bobby Zamora could also be in line for a return to a misfiring forward line while Swiss youth Kerim Frei is pushing the established USA international Clint Dempsey for a starting berth.

Jol meanwhile has been looking to deflect criticism from the defeat to Man United by heaping praise on the youthful man who will occupy the visiting dugout today.

“I think it is quite adventurous and challenging to [appoint somebody of the age]. Someone who won the Europa League, some titles in Portugal, like Jose Mourinho before him. He is quite young but I do not think it is about age”.

The good thing about having youth on his side is that he is not afraid to change things around because you can only learn from your mistakes and there is a steely edge to Villas-Boas that is impressive.

In recent weeks Chelsea have seen an upturn in form having abandoned the high defensive line they were employing and experienced internationals like Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres have been shown the bench for lacking form.

Youngsters like Romeu and Daniel Sturridge have grabbed the chances to full effect with Sturridge probably heading the list of in-form English strikers at the moment. Barring injury he must be close to booking his seat on the plane for Euro 2012 in Fabio Capello’s squad already.

Jol will be hoping talismanic winger Damien Duff can put talk of a move to Aston Villa to the back of his mind as Duff returns to the club where he twice won the Premier League.

The Cottagers may have a chance if Duff, Ruiz, Dembélé and Dempsey are on top form but in truth even with Chelsea’s inconsistencies of late and lack of key defenders you have to rate them as favourites, especially given home advantage.

With Mata and Sturridge dovetailing wonderfully and Didier Drogba returning to the top of his game, it will tough for the Cottagers to keep the Blues at bay, but if Fulham do manage such a feat it will be without a doubt their biggest result of the season and maybe, just maybe, that would reheat this lukewarm derby.

Prediction: Chelsea 3 Fulham 1.