Fulham will go level on points with Chelsea if they beat their west London neighbours on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.
In-form Wilson shining for Cottagers
Fulham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five games, though the Whites were once again grateful for a late goal. They beat West Ham on 27 December thanks to an 85th-minute Raul Jimenez strike and earned a point against Crystal Palace five days later courtesy of Tom Cairney’s effort 10 minutes from time.
Harrison Reed’s equaliser at the weekend came even later, arriving in spectacular fashion in the seventh minute of injury time – just 143 seconds after Cody Gakpo had struck what seemed sure to be the winner for the Merseysiders.
Head coach Marco Silva admitted to mixed emotions after the final whistle, praising Reed’s long-range strike as an “incredible moment” but insisting his side could have won a game they deservedly led at half-time following another goal from the in-form Harry Wilson.
The 28-year-old has been pivotal to his side’s improved performances since the start of November – the Whites have taken 20 points from 11 games in that period, which is bettered only by the Premier League’s top three sides. Wilson has been directly involved in nine top-flight goals during that time, scoring five and assisting four, a haul second only to Erling Haaland.
Until this season, the Welshman had often produced his most impactful moments as a substitute, and he came off the bench to score in last term’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. This season, however, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Craven Cottage a happy hunting ground for Blues
Like Fulham, Chelsea salvaged a point on Sunday thanks to an injury-time equaliser. Enzo Fernandez struck from close range against Manchester City in the fourth minute of stoppage time, meaning the Club World Cup champions have now drawn three consecutive Premier League away games.
Caretaker Calum McFarlane led the Blues at the weekend following Enzo Maresca’s departure and felt the result was deserved, praising the character his side showed in the second half. On Tuesday the club confirmed that Liam Rosenior – previously in charge of sister club Strasbourg – will be their new head coach, though McFarlane will be in the dugout one more time on Wednesday.
Rosenior may lack experience at a club of Chelsea’s stature but his tactical approach may make him a good fit as a replacement for Maresca. Under his guidance, Strasbourg built patiently from the back and dominated possession – they have played fewer long passes than any other Ligue 1 side this season and rank third for total passes, behind only Paris St-Germain and Marseille.
That style carries risks, however. Strasbourg have committed a joint-high 17 errors leading to opposition shots in the French top flight this season.
McFarlane will be looking to maintain Chelsea’s formidable record at Craven Cottage in his second and last game in temporary charge. The Blues have lost just two of their past 23 away games against Fulham, winning 15 of those fixtures – including six of the past seven.
