Premier League preview: Fulham v Everton

Fulham defender Stephen Kelly will play through the pain barrier to take part in his team’s English Premier League match against Everton.

Kelly, 28, suffered a minor wrist break in Fulham’s 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on April 9, and had to sit out his team’s 2-1 victory over Wigan last week.

This Saturday, Fulham make the trip north to take on Everton, who are fresh from earning a point in a thrilling 4-4 draw away to champions Manchester United.

“Things have been going really well recently and I’ve been enjoying my football,” fullback Kelly said.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before I’m back playing. I sustained a slight break to my wrist but it’s something that I can hopefully get over and play with a cast on it.

“I’ll be looking to get back into training this week and get the confidence built up again.

“It’s a matter of getting back into training and hopefully it will feel good and I’ll be available at the weekend for the game against Everton.”

Fulham are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning three of them, along with a credible draw against Chelsea.

They have risen to ninth on table, level on points with comparative heavyweights Liverpool, and Kelly said the squad have set the bar high for the run-in.

“We’ve been playing well and if we can continue our good form, and the good performances that we have been putting in, then there’s no reason why we can’t get to 50 points and then build on that,” he said.

“We’ll be looking to finish in the top eight, which is definitely achievable with the points we’re on and the games coming up.”

They are unlikely to have an easy ride at Goodison Park, with David Moyes’ seventh-placed team motivated by the opportunity to finish above neighbours Liverpool for the first time since 2004-05.

Everton came from 4-2 down to take a point off league leaders United on Sunday, and will be sure to pose a threat through in-form striker Nikica Jelavic, who struck twice in the match at Old Trafford.

Fulham are without defender Zdenek Grygera (knee), midfielder Steve Sidwell (groin) and forward Bryan Ruiz (foot) for the match.

Everton must make do without Professional Footballers’ Association Team of the Year fullback Leighton Baines (hamstring), as well as midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring).

On-loan Dutchman Royston Drenthe has been suspended by the club indefinitely due to disciplinary reasons.