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http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/02/12/great-time-to-play-chelsea-says-fulham-boss-82029-28161062/

Great time to play Chelsea says Fulham boss

By Paul Warburton


Feb 12 2011


 

FULHAM boss Mark Hughes reckons Monday's west London derby against Chelsea has come just the right time – and this despite £50million Fernando Torres set to bear down on his defence.

On Valentine's Day there will be no love lost between Whites fans and their fierce rivals down the Fulham Road – and it's the one match above all others they want to win.

Their manager reckons such is the Cottage industry at the moment with five wins and two draws from the last eight games – his side couldn't have timed it better.

In contrast, Hughes' counterpart Carlo Ancelotti has given up on the title, and the Fulham man can see why.

He said: "The bench mark has always been that if you lose six games in the Premiership, then it's going to be difficult to win the title.

"Chelsea have done that, and if they lose any more they may find it difficult to beat two other sides ahead of them."

"But we're pleased the derby is here and now. It's a great opportunity."

Three former Blues could figure against their old club on Monday night, with Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell almost certain to start - and Eidur Gudjohnsen likely to come off the bench at some point.

Hughes reckoned the time Duff spent at Stamford Bridge has helped make him the player he is.

He added: "Duffer had a great time at Chelsea, and he's grateful for that. That kind of experience shapes you – and he's reaping the benefits."
Fulham are without the injured Philippe Senderos, Matthew Briggs, and Bobby Zamora – although the striker is set to play an hour in a friendly on Tuesday, with a view to an entire 90 minutes if his rehabilitation allows it.

Dixon Etuhu is also still suffering with a hamstring problem and misses the match.


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