Assistant coach Ray Wilkins has given the biggest hint yet that Chelsea will be in the market for a striker in the January transfer window. Chelsea travel the short distance to face West London neighbours Fulham on Sunday boosted by their 2-0 win over struggling West Brom at Stamford Bridge on St Stephens's Day.

Goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard gave the Blues their first win in four home league games but more significantly top scorer Anelka was also included in their 4-3-3 formation.

It was the first time Drogba and Anelka had started in attack under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and there were encouraging signs for the Chelsea boss.

Previously Chelsea chief-executive Peter Kenyon had insisted the club would be not be active in the January transfer window but now Wilkins has hinted they will be looking to strengthen their attacking options in case of injuries to either of their striking jewels.

He said: "We have got the injury situation haven't we?

"If you lose both in the same game, you always need cover with injuries.

"You have to have a top end of your side with goalscoring ability otherwise we are not going to progress through the Premier League.

"We have supplemented Didier's injury with the players we have here and Nicolas' goals have been top drawer, so from that aspect we are thrilled and it has been fantastic."

Anelka found himself on the left-hand side of the front three against West Brom - a position he disliked under former coach Avram Grant.

But he is almost certain to remain there for the time being if Scolari insists on sticking with his 4-3-3 system.

Wilkins appeared to confirm that scenario when he praised the skills of Drogba in a central role.

"He has the ability to get hold of the ball when it is in difficult areas and to bring other people into the game," said Wilkins.

"He is the best there is at it. He can get hold of the ball on his chest and kill the game up front for us. It allows the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack the opportunity to get forward and into the penalty area."

Drogba was taken off as a precautionary measure against West Brom after sustaining a kick on his thigh but he will be fit for the Fulham game.

Jose Bosingwa, replaced at half-time in the 2-0 win by Juliano Belletti, was not injured and will retain his place in the starting line-up against the improving Cottagers.

Chelsea will be without suspended John Terry though. Their captain sits out the second match of a three-game ban for being red-carded against Everton last Monday night.

Wilkins has been happy to see Fulham's revival under Roy Hodgson this season.

The Cottagers managed to pull off the great escape from relegation last term and have now gone eight games without defeat after their draw at Tottenham on Boxing Day.

Wilkins is expecting a difficult derby but remains confident that the Blues can continue their unbeaten away form.

"It is very important that Fulham are doing so well," said Wilkins. "We will go there and they will be full of confidence after the result against Tottenham.

"But we had a good result as well and our away form has been very good. We just hope that can continue but it is going to be tough for us. Fulham won't lie down and allow us to do what we want to do. They will give us a bit of aggravation and that is what we expect.

"We will go there as best prepared as we can and put up a very good performance. They are our closest rivals so we actually want to put one over on them. But they will make it very tough for us."