Oscar targets winning run

Chelsea star Oscar has called on his side to put a winning run together in order to close the gap on league-leaders Manchester United.

The forward, a summer recruit from Brazilian side Internacional, was pleased to avoid defeat last time out against defending champions Manchester City but admits the Blues need to get back to winning ways if they are to challenge for the title.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of United and four behind City.

The Stamford Bridge side host London rivals Fulham on Wednesday and Oscar is eager to secure both a vital three points and the local bragging rights.

He told the club's official website: "It's great to play in local derbies. It's another important game, and we've had a lot of those in the last few weeks.

"The draw against Manchester City at the weekend was a positive result, and now I'm hopeful we can follow that up with a win in order to stay near the top of the table. It's crucial that from this point on we win as many matches as possible.

"At Chelsea we are expected to win every game. We tried everything in order to get the three points against Manchester City, but it was a very tough game and while we were unfortunate not to get the win, it was important we didn't lose and managed to keep a clean sheet."

Chelsea are without a win in their last five league games and new boss Rafael Benitez Benitez will be keen to stop the rot and pick up maximum points against the Cottagers, with Chelsea 4/9 to secure the win on Wednesday.

A draw is available at 7/2 and Fulham are 6/1 to condemn Chelsea to what would be a third defeat in six league games.

Benitez will be without injured trio Daniel Sturridge, John Terry and Frank Lampard, while Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is suspended.

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