Rafael Benitez refuses to bow to pressure to apologise for his controversial comments about Chelsea as he prepared to run the gauntlet with their fans again.

Blues supporters called for their new manager to say sorry for what they perceive as criticism of them while he was in charge at Liverpool.

Benitez endured a savage reception upon his introduction as Chelsea boss in Sunday's Barclays Premier League draw against Manchester City and fan groups have suggested there will be no let up in Wednesday's west London derby with Fulham.

The chair of Chelsea Supporters' Group said an apology would help win over some fans but, as during his unveiling on Thursday, Benitez questioned the accuracy of some of the quotes attributed to him.

``The problem is we can analyse what I said and didn't say,'' he said.

``We can't be checking if it's true or not. I'll try my best to win their trust. That's it.''

Benitez admitted he did not know whether there would be a repeat of the vicious booing, chanting and placards that were directed at him on Sunday.

``To be fair, I don't know,'' he said. ``But I can say that, since coming here, I've worked really hard, coming in at 8.30am and leaving at 8.30 at night, doing my job, talking to players and staff and trying to be ready for the game.''

Such abuse cannot be nice but Benitez added: ``I can't worry if I'm upset or not.

``If it was a player, I'd be telling him to concentrate on his job. The best way to change things is to win games.''

Gary Cahill has recovered from illness and is in contention.

Defender Cahill was only able to start on the bench in Benitez's first game in charge, but he could return for the Spaniard's second Barclays Premier League at the helm.

Daniel Sturridge is close to returning from a hamstring injury, while John Terry (knee) and Frank Lampard (calf) are also progressing.

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes the clash is a ``must-win game'' for Chelsea and his under-fire counterpart.

The Dutchman said of the fans' reaction to Benitez: ``I don't think I have experienced it before in my career, but of course, in England he was at Liverpool, a big club.

``He said probably a few things about Chelsea and I have done that in the past because you are like a chameleon.

``You get the colours of the club you are at and that is what he did so I think after a couple of wins I feel he will win them over.

``It is not only about the manager, it is about the club and winning games.

``Hopefully he won't start tomorrow. I feel it is a must-win game for them. They have to probably win, to have a result, tomorrow otherwise that will be problematic.''

Captain Brede Hangeland is one of a number of key players missing for the Cottagers.

The Norway international serves the second of a three-match ban at Stamford Bridge and is joined on the sidelines by Alex Kacaniklic, Bryan Ruiz and Kieran Richardson (all hamstring).

Simon Davies (hip) remains out but Jol can call upon Kerim Frei after a loan spell at Cardiff.

http://espnfc.com/en/preview/345722/preview.html?soccernet=true&cc=3888

kk

WEST LONDON DERBY..........ALWAYS EXCITING........

See this Mumu Fulham Manager. Are u going to roll over for them Be careful and remember whenever Cheski is at the mid table, other fans rejoice. So go there and do your work

Hmmm, make match finish first.

Is he expecting to get praise bc he comes in "8.30am and leaves 8.30pm"?which kind of silly talk is dat.Any coach dat signs a 6mth contract knowing fully well that a coach is being lined up for d same club,a coach d owner of d club feels is far better dan u shd just go about his work& take watever insult comes his way;afterall he's being paid.I forsee a shock defeat frm Fulham dat wi just cement Abramovic's conviction dat Benitez is dfinitely not d man for his club

good luck fulham!!

We won't lose this match I can guarantee but I am not too optimistic about the win.
As for those of us that hate Benitez, we will end up accepting him even though we can't love him. Something tells me that Pep won't be coming and that Rafa would win a Trophy or two thereby making Roman to allow him to continue past the six month stint earlier stipulated.
Just watch and see, the boos won't be as loud as it was on Sunday.

Chelsea 2-0 Fulham

Torres
Mikel

KTBFFH!

This will b chelsea first win wit Benitez as coach

CHELSEA FANS SHOULD HAVE IN MIND THAT MIKEL IS ALREADY OUT OF FAVOUR.
BANITEZ WILL START ALL THE SPANIARDS AHEAD OF OTHER PLAYERS.

Join in watching tonight's live match @ Bar Campione 13, Kasumu Ekemode off saka tinubu street, victoria island.They also offer a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, American style burgers, imported steaks cooked the way you want, and a select few around the world specials.

dazzler2001: Chelsea 2-0 Fulham

Torres
Mikel

KTBFFH!

na chinese film? Y go d course mikel and torres na. Abeg stop am.

campionichops: Join in watching tonight's live match @ Bar Campione 13, Kasumu Ekemode off saka tinubu street, victoria island.They also offer a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, American style burgers, imported steaks cooked the way you want, and a select few around the world specials.

na football ferdinand and torres dey play or na tanquando.

Chelsea are expected to line up in
the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
1 Petr Cech (c)
28 Cesar Azpilicueta
2 Branislav Ivanovic
4 David Luiz
3 Ashley Cole
7 Ramires
6 Oriol Romeu
17 Eden Hazard
11 Oscar
34 Ryan Bertrand
9 Fernando Torres
Substitutes: 22 Ross Turnbull , 19
Paulo Ferreira , 24 Gary Cahill , 12
John Mikel Obi , 10 Juan Mata ,
21 Marko Marin , 13 Victor
Moses .

Game on

4.3.3

game on

freekick chelsea

mikel dey bench today ...

how far

Havilah93: freekick chelsea

i think i like dis new line up, its not a must so called regular players play every match, rafa is bringin in som squad rotation and i love dat, for cryin out its fulham so yea mikel and mata sit on d bench a while

Mikel own don done.. Na bench get tam

fredoooooo: mikel dey bench today ...

how far

i dey ooo
see formation...

rami rambo raaaamos the ball

ramirez which kind short be that

mikel and moses flexing....

corner....

silly play bertrand.....

hahhaha karagounis still dey play ball