FULHAM keeper Bernd Leno is hoping for a repeat of last season’s Craven Cottage victory over Chelsea when the two SW6 rivals meet again on Monday.
The Blues had enjoyed a very impressive overall record against their neighbours but that all changed last year when Marco Silva’s side took four points from their rivals.
A memorable 2-1 success at the Cottage in January was followed up three weeks later by a 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, a big factor in Fulham finishing two places and eight points clear of Chelsea in the final table.
They head into Monday’s clash above the Pensioners once again and German stopper Leno can see parallels with what happened earlier in the year.
“I think it is more or less the same game as last season,” he told South London Weekly.
“Last season they were in a difficult moment as well.
“Now they are in a transitional rebuild moment and everything takes a little bit of time.
“But that is also dangerous because they will come with a lot of motivation.
“They will want to show and prove to everyone that they are better than what the table says.
“I still think Chelsea have very good players.
“Of course it takes time but it will be a very difficult game. It was the same situation last season and we won that game.
“It was very tough and there was a red card for Joao Felix.
“I’m looking forward to it – Chelsea at home will be a big game.”
Defender Antonee Robinson also played in that 2-1 Craven Cottage triumph and sees no reason why Fulham can’t repeat the trick.
“I don’t see why not,” the left-back said.
“We took four points from them and finished above Chelsea last season.
“They aren’t in the best of moments so if there is any time to play them it is probably now.
“Hopefully if we can get on them and get out against them fast then their confidence won’t be too high and we can try and get something out of that game.”
Despite having grown up in Liverpool and coming through the ranks at Everton, Robinson is already aware of what the Chelsea game means to Fulham fans having featured against the Blues last year.
He said: “I know about the rivalry from playing in the fixture.
“I’m not from London – it is just another team to me that I want to go and spoil the party and beat.
“We will go into it as kind of underdogs but they are not in the best moment themselves, so it is a chance to try and take advantage of that and try hit a wounded animal.”
Monday’s encounter is already sold out and Robinson is looking to send the majority of fans present home happy.
“With it being Chelsea, the Cottage will be rocking and the fans will be really excited,” he added.
“Hopefully we can repeat our last home game against them.”
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