Fulham vs Chelsea: Confirmed Starting XIs For Premier League Clash

Previewing Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has named his Chelsea side to face Fulham in the Premier League at Craven Cottage on August 24.

Chelsea begin their 2026/27 campaign with a west London derby against city neighbours Fulham, now managed by Álvaro Arbeloa following Marco Silva's departure.

Following his summer appointment, Alonso will be keen to get Chelsea off to a winning start on Monday night, with the Blues eyeing improvement after their 10th-place finish last weekend.

Chelsea and Fulham conclude the opening weekend of the new league season, with all nine other fixtures already taking place. Arsenal began their title defence with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City, while Hull City stunned Manchester United with a victory. Tottenham and Aston Villa were convincingly beaten by Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion, respectively, while Liverpool claimed a point away to Newcastle United.

Former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca managed to guide Manchester City to a comeback after overturning a 1-0 deficit to Bournemouth to clinch a 2-1 win in his first league game in charge. Now Alonso will be hoping to do the same with Chelsea.

Only goal difference separated Fulham and Chelsea last season, with the Blues finishing one place ahead of their London counterparts.

It was a positive pre-season for Chelsea, who claimed three victories from their six-game schedule, including a 3-1 win in their final match against Real Sociedad.

Chelsea are without Wesley Fofana for the trip to Fulham, as he serves his suspension following a red card on the final day of last season.

As expected, Robert Sanchez starts in goal for the Blues, with Levi Colwill beginning in defence with club captain Reece James.

Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers make their league debuts following their summer arrivals at Stamford Bridge.

Joao Pedro, who signed a contract extension last week, leads the line, with Cole Palmer hoping to play an influential role in attack against Fulham.

Moises Caicedo is unavailable, with Romeo Lavia in central midfield. Enzo Fernandez begins on the bench.

Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson, Berge, Iwobi, King, Bobb, Gonzalo, Palacios

Bench: Lecomte, Tete, Reed, Muniz, Kevin, Charles, Sessegnon, Smith Rowe, De Fougerolles

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro

Bench: Penders, Chavarria, Barco, Enzo, Estevao, Gittens, Neto, Quenda, Welbeck