Fulham consider defence reshuffle for derby clash with Chelsea

Nov 27, 2012 9:05:00 AM

Manager Martin Jol is weighing up whether to play three centre-backs at Stamford Bridge to compensate for the absence of suspended defensive leader Brede Hangeland

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey

Martin Jol is considering reshuffling Fulham's defence for the derby clash with Chelsea to compensate for the absence of Brede Hangeland, Goal.com can reveal.

The Cottagers manager is toying with the idea of scrapping his back-four system and playing with three centre-backs.

Defensive leader Hangeland will serve the second game of a three-match suspension at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and Jol is concerned that Aaron Hughes and Philippe Senderos, who were paired together for the 1-0 defeat at Stoke City on Saturday, could be exposed by Chelsea's array of attackers.

Goal.com understands that Jol is weighing up whether to use a 3-4-3 formation against Chelsea, which would see Hughes, Senderos and Chris Baird operating as Fulham's three centre-halves.

Intriguingly, Jol instructed Fulham Under-21s to play with a three-man defence against Chelsea on Monday night.

The tactical shift backfired, as Fulham were three goals down at half-time before switching to a traditional back four in the second half and shutting out their west London rivals in the second half as the match finished 3-0.

Although the gamble failed in the Under-21s league, the formation tweak is still very much in Jol's mind for the senior derby clash on Wednesday.

Follow Wayne Veysey on

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!