Felix Magath hopes Chelsea's Champions League exertions against Galatasaray in midweek will work in Fulham's favour.

The Blues head into tomorrow's west London derby at Craven Cottage less than three days after their 1-1 draw in Istanbul.

Chelsea star Frank Lampard has hit out at the scheduling and believes the Premier League should do more to help England's representatives in Europe.

However, Magath hopes it gives his struggling side the edge.

He said: “It’s always an advantage for teams when they play against a Champions League team and we’re lucky that Chelsea had such a long trip to Istanbul.

“They played on Wednesday so it’s a good situation for us. I remember those situations; you have to stay at the airport and fly a few hours, then you have the game at night, then usually the players cannot sleep and the next day you’re tired.

“You’re tired at the airport, you have to wait for the plane – I think it bothers the players a lot and for sure it’s a chance for us.

"Chelsea are favourites but we’ve prepared for the situation and we try to fight and make it a fast game.”