4-3-3: Key Man Fit As Sarri Makes 10 Changes | Predicted Chelsea Line-Up vs Fulham

Chelsea will look to cement their position in the top four with a win when Fulham arrive at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Here is the side I think Maurizio Sarri will select for the game:

Goalkeeper: Sarri perhaps surprisingly resisted the temptation to rest Kepa Arrizabalaga during the Europa League win over PAOK on Thursday night but the young Spaniard will keep his place on Sunday. Willy Caballero will therefore have to make-do with a place on the bench.

Defence: Sarri is set to make wholesale changes to his defence after resting his key men last night. Cesar Azpilicueta will come in to replace Davide Zappacosta at right-back while Marcos Alonso should be recalled in place of Emerson Palmeiri at left-back.

David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger have been Sarri’s established pairing in the middle of defence this season and the duo should be recalled on Sunday after being rested against PAOK with Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen making way.

Midfield: There will be changes in midfield too as Jorginho is expected to be recalled after being given a well-earned breather last time out. Cesc Fabregas was excellent during the win over PAOK but the Spaniard is still set to drop back to the bench against Fulham.

Sarri has been criticised for his comments regarding N’Golo Kante’s supposed inability to play in the deepest midfield position but the Frenchman is still an important part of the Chelsea starting eleven and should be recalled on Sunday.

Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were both in good form on Thursday night but I think we might see the English duo make way against Fulham with Mateo Kovacic being recalled.

Attack: Eden Hazard missed the Europa League game on Thursday night due to a minor knock but the Belgian international is expected to be passed fit to return on Sunday afternoon – which will be a big boost for Chelsea.

Olivier Giroud was back among the goals against PAOK so he’ll be hoping he’s done enough to keep his place but I think Sarri will still recall Alvaro Morata meaning the French target-man will drop to the bench.

Callum Hudson-Odio was excellent on his full debut on Thursday night and will feel unfortunate to drop out but I think we’ll see the youngster making way along with Pedro to make room for Willian and Hazard in attack.

Here is how we think Chelsea will line-up: