Chelsea vs Fulham: Defensive concerns mean both teams to score

Fulham may have had difficulty scoring against Chelsea in the past, but given the injury headache being suffered by Andre Villas-Boas at present, both teams to score may prove the best bet on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas watched Branislav Ivanovic go off injured in the draw with Tottenham, leaving John Terry as the only fit central defender at his disposal.

Jose Bosingwa filled in at the unfamiliar position against Spurs and may have to again unless David Luiz can pass a late fitness test on his knee problem.

This news could spur on Fulham to attack, especially in the early stages when Chelsea’s communication may not be at its sharpest.

Fulham have not scored in three of their last four Premier League meetings with Chelsea, but the 11/10 that both teams score does appeal.

Chelsea’s odds are 2/7 to beat Fulham and they will know that these fixtures must be won if they want to finish in the top four this season.

Fulham are 10/1 to secure an unlikely victory and away wins are not something that comes naturally.

Meanwhile, they have only ever won one away game against their west London neighbours in the top flight and this was way back in 1964.

However, they have already drawn with Chelsea after 90 minutes this season in the Carling Cup and are capable of making the short trip home with a point, which can be backed at 4/1.

Didier Drogba has three goals in his last four games with Fulham and will want to make a positive statement in the coming weeks before heading off to the African Cup of Nations.

It is 3/1 that Drogba is the first goalscorer against Fulham, with the in-form Daniel Sturridge a worthy alternative in this market at 7/2.