How Chelsea should line up for Fulham showdown with three new debuts
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will name his first competitive lineup as he takes on Fulham in their Premier League opener next Monday night. The Blues will face their west London rivals at Craven Cottage, marking the start of a new era for both clubs, with Alonso’s former Liverpool and Spain teammate Alvaro Arbeloa in the home dugout.
The formation Alonso chooses could provide insights into his plans for the season. While Chelsea are accustomed to playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Alonso may opt for a 3-4-2-1 setup, which has proven effective for him in the past. This system was employed in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, his first outing at Stamford Bridge.
Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana were part of the three-man defense against Sociedad. Reece James could potentially move to right center-back against Fulham, with Fofana suspended after his red card against Sunderland last season. New signings Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria shared duties at left wing-back, but Jorrel Hato could now take that position.
Hato’s return could see him play a more traditional left-back role, leaving Palestra in his current position. Pedro Neto is expected to stay at right wing-back, with Moises Caicedo partnering Enzo Fernandez in central midfield. Enzo Fernandez received a mixed reception on his return to action, with both fan boos and cheers.
The situation with Enzo Fernandez’s transfer remains uncertain, and it could affect the lineup. Joao Pedro has been in excellent form during pre-season and is expected to lead the attack against Fulham, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, who signed for £117 million, also starting. Estevao and Geovany Quenda are set to provide attacking options from the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Fulham (3-4-2-1): - Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez - Defenders: James, Lacroix, Colwill - Wing-backs: Neto, Palestra - Midfielders: Fernandez, Caicedo - Forwards: Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro
