Chelsea fans turn on Eghbali as Rosenior witnesses size of task ahead after Fulham defeat

Fulham away is an appropriate fixture for new Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior to observe from the stands, with his first match proper coming at Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Rosenior played 79 games for Fulham as a full-back, and has spoken about how taking the Chelsea job is a home-coming of sorts after his work with Strasbourg in France.

Calum McFarlane will be in the Chelsea dug-out having taken training in the days since a creditable 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Enzo Fernandez scored in stoppage time to reward an under-strength Chelsea for an enterprising second 45 minutes.

Fulham should also be energised by their last game, when they more than matched Liverpool for long spells before Harrison Reed’s goal of the season contender salvaged a draw in the dying seconds.

Chelsea have lost only three of 37 Premier League derbies against Fulham, and have won six of the last seven at Craven Cottage.

Victory for Chelsea tonight would take them above Liverpool into fourth on goal difference, with the reigning champions playing at Arsenal tomorrow night.

For Fulham, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze remain at the Africa Cup of Nations while Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz and Kenny Tete are injured.

Chelsea are hopeful that Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will be fit again with Moises Caicedo available after suspension.

Cole Palmer played his first 90 minutes for three-and-a-half months at the Etihad so could be rested, or Chelsea might take the chance to do just that in the FA Cup.

It is fair to say Palmer is still searching for his best form following that troublesome groin injury, and restoring him to his best form will be one of Rosenior’s priorities.

Full team news on the way shortly.