All eyes are on West London tonight as Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first official Premier League match as Chelsea boss, opting for a bold attacking line-up against the neighbours.
Morgan Rogers has been handed his full debut in an attacking that sees himself alongside Cole Palmer. There is also a debut for Maxence Lacroix in the heart of the defence as he partners Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong at centre back in a three-man centre back partnership.
After a Saturday of big upsets on the opening weekend of the Premier League, Manchester United and Tottenham on the wrong end of surprise defeats on the road, Liverpool drew, while Manchester City escaped in a disappointing display. Although too early in the season, Chelsea can lay down a marker here.
Chelsea's confirmed line-up vs Fulham
Early indications suggest Chelsea will line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato providing the width from the wing-back positions. Reece James and Romeo Lavia are expected to anchor the midfield, allowing Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers to operate further forward and provide the creativity behind João Pedro.
Enzo Fernandez is at Craven Cottage and has been named among the substitutes, appearing to be in good spirits as he arrived at the stadium. He is joined on a strong Chelsea bench by Pedro Neto, Danny Welbeck and Estevao, giving Xabi Alonso plenty of attacking options to call upon if needed.
The absence of Moisés Caicedo and Marc Guiu raises a few eyebrows, but the initial indication is that minor injuries have ruled them out. Hopefully, there is nothing more serious to worry about.
- Sanchez
- Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill
- Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato
- Palmer, Rogers
- Joao Pedro
Fulham's confirmed line-up vs Chelsea
Fulham’s line-up includes two new signings from Real Madrid, with Gonzalo Garcia and César Palacios both handed starts in the front three as part of Raúl’s attacking set-up.
The starting XI is unchanged from their most recent friendly, with Rodrigo Muniz, Kevin, Shea Charles and Emile Smith Rowe among those named on the bench.
It is a youthful Fulham side, with Josh King and Oscar Bobb also included in the starting XI.
- Leno
- Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson;
- Berge, Iwobi
- King, Bobb, Palacios
- Gonzalo
What time is kick off?
The kick-off for the Monday Night football is 8pm UK time, while the game will be kicking-off at 3pm ET and 12pm PT in the United States.
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