Three Blue Changes

Vellios and Drenthe handed their first Premier League starts.

David Moyes has made three changes from the side that lost in West London last weekend as the Blues return to the capital for today's clash with Fulham.

Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe are handed their first Premier League starts - with Phil Neville returning to the side for the Craven Cottage encounter.

Vellios, who netted as a late sub in the 3-1 reverse at Chelsea a week ago, replaces Louis Saha as the Blues' attacking lynchpin.

Drenthe who comes in for Seamus Coleman and is expected to occupy a position wide on the left - although his versatility means he will be able to switch flanks if required.

Elsewhere, the Club skipper's return to the starting line-up for his first start since the defeat at Manchester City last month is at the expense of Aussie international Tim Cahill.

The back four remains unchanged, whilst Drenthe and Osman's attacking impetus in midfield will be supported by Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell and Neville.

Cahill, Coleman and Saha are all amongst substitutes. They are joined by John Heitinga, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Denis Stracqualursi and Jan Mucha.

A victory today could push the Blues six places up the table. Fulham boss Martin Jol brings Danny Murphy back into the side following injury.

Bobby Zamora also returns for the Cottagers along with US international Clint Dempsey after both were rested for the midweek Europa League tie against Wisla Krakow.

Former Everton man Andy Johnson also starts.