The headlines are all about Chelsea’s interest in signing a new striker, based on a Ray Wilkins interview. This one is a bit strange. I have three points. First is, Kenyon has indicated that we won’t sign new players in January. What is this now? Second is, we have a Drogba and an Anelka. For Scolari’s love of single striker formations, we have one too many. Does this mean Scolari is planning to move to a two striker formation? Third is, didn’t Scolari want a dribbling playmaker? Let’s look at what Wilkins said.

We have got the injury situation haven’t we? We have supplemented Didier’s injury with the players we have here, while Nicolas’ goals have been top drawer. From that aspect we are thrilled. However, if you lose both in the same game, you always need cover. Otherwise, we are not going to progress through the Premier League.

This might just be Wilkins’ opinion on the situation. I wouldn’t read this as Chelsea’s intent on signing a new striker in January. Buying a striker in January would be a blunder unless we offload one or more of Anelka, Drogba and Kalou. In fact, I don’t think we should buy anyone without selling players. May be, that would be the situation for Scolari. With very less or no funds available this January, he might have to sell players to buy new players.

Let’s talk about the Fulham match. All available except Terry, Essien, Carvalho and di Santo. I wonder what’s stil wrong with di Santo? He was supposed to be back in mid-December, wasn’t he? We should once again start Drogba and Anelka, hopefully in a 4-4-2. For this match, I don’t want to see Deco and Ballack. We’ve tried too many things and have learnt a lot. Mikel is untaouchable now. He’s been our best player of the season so far. So he should as always play as the holding midfielder. Along with Lampard, we should have Joe Cole and Belletti. Like I mentioned in the earlier blog, I don’t mind seeing Wayne Bridge on the left midfield.

Fulham have had a very good season so far, with a special mention to their home form. We simply can’t take them lightly. In fact, we can’t take anyone lightly. May be that’s why Scolari doesn’t try to rotate too much. The only reason why he would not play any of his preferred playing eleven is only because of injuries and suspensions. I’d say the result as at the first half would be the final result too. Hope we get an early goal in this match too. My prediction for the West London derby: 2-1 in favour of Chelsea. Anelka to score one, for sure.