Fulham Fulham go into the clash without their inspirational skipper Lee Clark, sidelined with a calf problem. The midfielder aggravated an old injury last week and is due back for next weekend's trip to Manchester City.
Reserve goalkeeper Mark Crossley is expected to shake off a back niggle sustained in training on Thursday and be on the bench.
Left-back Carlos Bocanegra has finished his three-match ban, meaning youngster Adam Green is likely to drop out of the starring XI.
Barry Hayles
Facundo Sava
Chelsea's third-choice goalkeeper Marco Ambrosio will continue between the sticks when the Blues take on west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian made only his second appearance for the club in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Bolton, because of Carlo Cudicini's broken hand and Neil Sullivan's severely bruised leg.
Claude Makelele is back from his thigh problem but right back Glen Johnson is still out with his ankle problem, as are long-term absentees Juan Sebastian Veron, Emmanuel Petit and Mario Stanic.