Xabi Alonso will name his first competitive lineup as Chelsea manager when the Blues face Fulham in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage next Monday night. The match marks a new era for both clubs, with Alonso's former Liverpool and Spain team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa in the home dugout.
Predicted formation and defensive setup
While Chelsea are most comfortable in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the system they played under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Alonso may persist with the 3-4-2-1 formation that worked well for him at Bayer Leverkusen. It was the approach he took for Chelsea's 3-1 win over former club Real Sociedad in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday, his first outing at Stamford Bridge.
The fit-again Levi Colwill, new signing Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana lined up in a three-man defence against Sociedad. Reece James played in midfield but could drop back and take Fofana's place at right centre-back against Fulham, with the latter suspended after his red card against Sunderland on the final day of last season.
Wing-back choices and midfield dilemma
New signings Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria shared duties at left wing-back, but Jorrel Hato could now come in to occupy that spot. Hato is expected to step into a larger role this term after Marc Cucurella was sold to Real Madrid, but perhaps more as a left-back than a left wing-back. That could mean that Palestra keeps his place here.
Pedro Neto could remain at right wing-back, with Moises Caicedo partnered in central midfield by Enzo Fernandez, who received a mixture of fan boos and cheers on his return to action on Saturday. That, though, could depend on if there have been any further developments before kick-off in the Fernandez transfer saga. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea's resolve will yet be tested by Manchester City, even after their arbitrary deadline passed on Friday without any bids being made.
Attack and predicted XI
Joao Pedro has been in electric form during pre-season and will lead the Chelsea attack against Fulham. Cole Palmer and £117million record signing Morgan Rogers will be expected to start as the two inverted wingers just behind the Brazilian. That would leave Estevao and Geovany Quenda as attacking options from the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI to face Fulham (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
