Xabi Alonso’s Premier League managerial journey officially starts on Monday evening as Chelsea make the short trip to face west London neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Enzo Fernandez’s long-term prospects at Stamford Bridge remain unclear.
Precisely 99 days after Chelsea announced his appointment, Alonso will kick off his tenure with this local derby clash.
Following a disappointing 2025/26 season, optimism is growing at the club’s Cobham training ground under the new Spanish manager.
The fanbase appears united behind their new boss – a rarity during BlueCo’s stewardship. The moment many have been waiting for is almost here.
Alonso remained guarded during Thursday’s pre-match media duties regarding selection decisions and tactical approach for the Craven Cottage encounter. Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes have shared their preferred lineups.
Bobby Vincent’s view
Having witnessed the 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 shape deployed in last weekend’s victory over Real Sociedad, I’d favour a similar setup against Fulham.
Robert Sanchez would be my choice in goal for the season opener. While Mike Penders could potentially leapfrog the Spanish keeper as the campaign progresses, Sanchez deserves the nod given the circumstances.
With Wesley Fofana serving a ban, Reece James should feature on the right side of a three-man defence. He’s occupied this position previously and I believe he can excel alongside Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill.
Amid persistent speculation about his future, I’d select Enzo Fernandez alongside Moises Caicedo in central midfield. Alonso mentioned on Thursday that the Argentine can operate effectively in a slightly more withdrawn position, and Monday evening might present the ideal opportunity to test that theory. However, there’s a strong possibility he won’t feature from the start – not merely because of the transfer uncertainty but also due to limited time working with the squad following World Cup duties.
Pedro Neto caught the eye operating as a right wing-back and I’d lean towards retaining him there, with Marco Palestra on the opposite side. Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers flanking Joao Pedro. This could genuinely constitute the league’s most potent attacking trident – it certainly possesses that potential, though we need more match action before drawing firm conclusions.
Bobby’s selection (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Jake Stokes’s view
Alonso experimented with several formations throughout pre-season before ultimately gravitating toward 3-4-2-1, which, given the personnel available, can swiftly transition to a four-man backline when necessary.
This was clearly demonstrated last weekend when Chelsea triumphed 3-1 over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge; the system offers solidity at the back while remaining potent going forward, making Monday night’s fixture intriguing.
Sanchez ought to continue between the posts. If the new Chelsea boss can address the Spaniard’s occasional concentration lapses, he’ll have a reliable option. While I’d like to see Fernandez begin in the middle of the park, I wouldn’t be shocked if Alonso pairs James with Caicedo and deploys Josh Acheampong at right centre-half instead.
Despite recent speculation linking Neto with a departure, he should start on the right flank with Palestra on the left. Up front, the manager will likely maintain the same front three of Palmer, Rogers, and Joao Pedro.
Jake’s selection (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, James, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
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