Chelsea predicted XI: Rewarding and rotating for Fulham

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Billy Gilmour of Chelsea FC gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge on December 08, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Billy Gilmour of Chelsea FC gestures during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and FC Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge on December 08, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City is challenged by Billy Gilmour of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 03, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Ian Walton – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City is challenged by Billy Gilmour of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on January 03, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Ian Walton – Pool/Getty Images) /

Billy Gilmour (No. 23), Central midfielder, Scotland

Billy Gilmour’s stature has grown immensely at Stamford Bridge. The incisiveness in his passing makes him a huge asset for the Blues. Against Morecambe, Gilmour looked solid has he commanded authority in the middle of the pitch. What makes him even more special is that he isn’t afraid to carry the ball forward. Few defensive midfielders have a tendency to pass the ball as soon as they receive it to release pressure. However, Gilmour likes to go head to head with players before making the pass, and pulling a player out of position in the process. While there are other experienced options like Jorginho and Kovacic on the bench, Gilmour deserves this start as this is the perfect opportunity for him to make his case. Expect a stellar performance from Gilmour and he should end up with a player or two in his pockets.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

It is difficult to not start Mason Mount against Fulham. Mount possesses a special ability that many players lack. His work rate and eagerness make him extremely special. What he does might not look pretty to the naked eye, however, his impact cannot be understated. He is perhaps the engine that runs this Chelsea side. Against Morecambe, Mount even ended his dry spell by scoring a nice long range goal. We should expect nothing but another industrious performance from our beloved Mason Mount against Fulham.

Kai Havertz (No. 29), Attacking midfielder, Germany

Kai Havertz has been struggling since his COVID bout. Moreover, it takes time to adapt to the Premier League and some players take more time than others. Lampard is still looking to find the best position for the German. Havertz could flourish in a no.10 role with two midfielders sitting behind. Slowly, Havertz is returning to form as we saw him score the dangerous header against Morecambe. He was also responsible for the Werner goal as he smartly played a light header. Havertz should start against Fulham and do well as he has ended his dry spell.