Chelsea are set to make a short trip to Craven Cottage to take on city rivals Fulham in the opening Premier League encounter tonight.
Having endured a dire campaign last term, the Blues have appointed Xabi Alonso as the new manager. The Spaniard previously won the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen but failed to showcase his qualities for Real Madrid last term before being replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa.
However, Arbeloa failed to guide Los Blancos to win any major silverware last season. So, the Spanish giants’ hierarchy decided to replace him with Jose Mourinho this summer.
Coincidentally, Fulham have appointed Arbeloa as the new manager following Marco Silva’s departure at the end of last campaign.
Team news
Danny Welbeck has been pictured training separately in recent days, which raised the question of whether he has fitness problems. However, Alonso has confirmed that he is ready to be involved tonight.
But Aaron Anselmino isn’t in contention to feature due to an injury, while Wesley Fofana is suspended for this game, having picked up a red card against Sunderland in the final Premier League fixture last campaign.
New signings Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are in doubt for this game. Moreover, Chelsea have purchased Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Morgan Rogers and Pep Chavarria this summer, and they are in contention to feature.
On the other hand, although Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto have been heavily linked with a move away, they are in the mix to play tonight.
Predicted line-up
Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal, while Lacroix and Levi Colwill should be the centre-back pairing for the visitors. Reece James could be deployed in the right-back position, while Palestra might be on the opposite side.
Moisés Caicedo and Fernández are likely to get the nod to start in the double midfield pivot role, while Cole Palmer could be in the creative midfield position. So, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo would have to make do with a place on the bench.
Pedro Neto could be on the right flank, and Rogers should be on the opposite side. Joao Pedro is expected to lead the line for the West London club.
Expected Chelsea line-up vs Fulham:
Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill, Palestra; Caicedo, Fernández, Palmer; Neto, Pedro, Rogers
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