Clint Dempsey says Fulham will head into Sunday’s west London derby against Chelsea full of confidence and says the Whites relish playing against the Premier League’s big names.

The American scored a fine goal against Amkar Perm last night as Fulham took a 3-1 lead from the first leg and, of course, got both goals in last season’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

It’s not every day you get to play against the top teams and it’s always great when you get a chance to come up against them and try and do your stuff. That’s why you’re in one of the top leagues in the world, you want to play against the best and take advantage of every opportunity you get.

The game last season was definitely a highlight for me – every time you score against a big team it is, especially when it’s your local rivals.

We work hard and I would say we’re a complete footballing team. We like to get the ball down and pass it, while at the same time trying to keep our shape defensively.

We create chances and score goals. We just have to stay tight defensively and hopefully get a goal or two. That always keeps you in the games against the big teams.