Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the starting XI Xabi Alonso will name to take on Fulham in their first Premier League game of the season.
The Blues are itching to get underway after a successful pre-season campaign, which really improved when they moved to the back-three formation.
The formation looks to get the best out of a number of their players, with all eyes on Alonso to see if he can get Cole Palmer firing again.
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Chelsea Predicted XI vs Fulham
One player who won’t be available is Wesley Fofana. He remains suspended following his red card at the end of last season against Sunderland.
The Chelsea Chronicle have given a full predicted XI for who Alonso will trust straight away to get the job done domestically.
Despite talk of Alonso wanting a new goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez will maintain his place between the sticks at Craven Cottage.
Club captain Reece James will move into the back three to replace Fofana. His position is not yet confirmed for this season.
In the middle, there will be a Chelsea Premier League debut for Maxence Lacroix. He has plenty of experience featuring in this system at Crystal Palace.
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Alongside him, Levi Colwill makes up the back three, with him desperate to move on from a season where he hardly featured due to injury.
Pedro Neto will continue in the right wing-back position, despite heavy reports of him making a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Chelsea’s South American midfield will be reunited again, with Moises Caicedo still one of the first names on the teamsheet under the new manager.
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Joining him will be Enzo Fernandez. There are still no guarantees he stays this summer, but Alonso has already revealed he is relying on him.
Marco Palestra will start on the left after a very impressive pre-season campaign, featuring in either wing-back position.
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The first of the attacking midfielders will be Cole Palmer. Chelsea fans are absolutely desperate to see the best out of him after a tough 18 months.
Alongside him, the third new signing of the XI, Morgan Rogers will start. There is an expectation the duo will form a strong relationship on the pitch due to their friendship off it.
Joao Pedro leads the line. Seven goals in televised pre-season friendlies suggests he is ready for another big season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Predicted XI vs Fulham (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro