Fulham make the short trip to face neighbours Chelsea in a West London derby ion Thursday afternoon.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues have enjoyed a superb season so far and currently sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Fulham, meanwhile, have also impressed and occupy ninth place having won six of their 17 games so far.
Here, we predict the XI that Maresca will select for the visit of the Cottagers.
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez has started 16 of Chelsea’s 17 league games so far this season, and he is in line to start on Thursday. The Spaniard has been criticised for some of his performances this term, but he produced a number of superb saves during the Blues’ goalless draw against Everton last time out.
Defenders
At right-back, Malo Gusto is set to start in the absence of club captain Reece James. The Frenchman has been hugely impressive since joining the Blues last summer, but he still awaits his first goal for the club.
In the centre of defence, Levi Colwill could be partnered by Tosin Adarabioyo, who started against the Toffees in their last game and impressed. Colwill has started 16 of Chelsea’s 17 league games this season, while Tosin has stepped in to replace the injured Wesley Fofana in recent weeks.
Colwill has started 16 of Chelsea’s 17 Premier League games so far this season
Marc Cucurella has scored in each of his last two games – against Brentford and Shamrock Rovers – but missed the Everton match due to suspension after being sent off against the Toffees. He also donned the captain’s armband in the latter stages of the win against Shamrock, and appears to be quickly becoming a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielders
In midfield, Romeo Lavia has been ruled out of the game, but Moises Caicedo could line up alongside Enzo Fernandez. Caicedo has been used at right-back when out of possession in recent weeks, but he is set to return to midfield for the visit of the Whites. Fernandez, meanwhile, has scored three times and provided seven assists in his last eight games across all competitions, captaining the Blues in the last six league matches.
Caicedo has arguably been Chelsea’s most impressive performer so far this season
Talisman Cole Palmer will once again start in an advanced midfield role, where he will hope to add to his combined tally of 17 goals and assists in as many Premier League games this term.
Forwards
In attack, Noni Madueke could start on the right. The Englishman has scored and provided three assists in his last five league games, and he will hope to get on the scoresheet again amid ongoing competition for the starting spot on the right of Maresca’s attack.
Jackson has scored nine Premier League goals already this season
Through the middle, Nicolas Jackson is in line to start once again. His next goal will be his tenth in the competition this term.
On the left, Pedro Neto is in line to start in the absence of the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk. Jadon Sancho will also be available, but may have to settle for a place on the bench.