Just as with the last time he faced Fulham, Mykhailo Mudryk lasted only 45 minutes. But what a world of difference this outstanding performance was from that unhappy appearance in February as the winger finally scored his first goal for Chelsea and gave a glimpse of a promising future at the beleaguered club.
Chelsea make the short journey to Craven Cottage hoping desperately that last weekâs nervy Carabao Cup win over Brighton can kickstart a much-needed turnaround in the top-flight under Mauricio Pochettino, who has overseen their worst start to a season since 1978-79. Pochettino will be missing his cup match-winner Nicolas Jackson this evening due to suspension and requires others to step up for a goal-shy attack that is surprisingly led by the fit-again Armando Broja, plus Cole Palmer. Mid-table Fulham have eight points in the bank so far but will be aiming to turbo-charge their own campaign with only a third Premier League win over their local rivals in 33 attempts, having bested them here 2-1 back in January.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says the situation surrounding the video assistant referee "is at crisis point" after Luis Diaz's disallowed goal in the defeat at Tottenham.