CHELSEA may have Lionel Messi hovering menacingly on the horizon, but Gary Cahill says the Blues could face just as big a challenge from Clint Dempsey on Monday.
The USA striker was on target for Fulham when the sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day and his game has gone up another level this season. Dempsey's goal against Norwich City last weekend was his 19th of a prolific campaign.
“Yes, we know we will have to watch him carefully. He's in fantastic form this season and done tremendously well,” said the Chelsea
defender.
“Fulham are playing well this season, I think, and we know we can expect a tough game.”
Chelsea skipper John Terry agreed, adding: “They're going well, especially at home and we haven't done too well there over the years.
"It's a derby that always seems to be very tight, but hopefully we can go there this year and pick up three points this time.”
Terry's caution is a little undermined by the fact Fulham have only beaten the Blues once in the 24 league and cup meetings between the sides since Fulham reached the Premier league in 2001 – that was six
years ago, when Luis Boa Morte's goal divided the teams at the Cottage.
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