Chelsea’s new boss Xabi Alonso confronts numerous crucial choices as he prepares for his first top-flight match in charge of the west London club, with the Blues travelling to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening.
Morgan Rogers was on target for Chelsea in the friendly with Real Sociedad(Image: Chelsea FC)
The Spaniard demonstrated during pre-season that he possesses tactical flexibility, particularly regarding his preferred system. The former Liverpool midfielder will have already settled on his tactical approach for Saturday’s Premier League curtain-raiser against the Cottagers.
Nine days prior to this encounter, in their concluding pre-season workout, his squad delivered an impressive display operating in a three-four-two-one/three-four-three shape, with many followers eager to witness comparable performances at Craven Cottage. However, Alonso predominantly favoured a more standard four-two-three-one structure throughout his initial pre-season campaign as Chelsea manager.
Consequently, nobody can say with certainty. Bobby Vincent has attempted to forecast how the 44-year-old from Spain will arrange his side for this historic first Premier League fixture in the technical area.
Robert Sanchez
When pressed by football.london on Thursday afternoon regarding who would occupy the goalkeeper position for the forthcoming campaign, Alonso declined to commit. He explained that the club desires vigorous competition across every role. Sanchez has accumulated significant game time, bringing valuable experience and influence. The club has also recruited Penders from Strasbourg, who possesses commendable quality. Everything would become clear on the pitch, as the playing surface determines everything. The players must prove themselves to the manager.
Although Penders will challenge Sanchez throughout the season, the latter is anticipated to get the starting nod at Craven Cottage.
Josh Acheampong
Alonso may opt to maintain a three-man defensive unit on Saturday. Should he proceed with this approach, Acheampong could feature on the right flank of the back three. Fofana finds himself ineligible following his dismissal during the final match of the 2025/26 season at Sunderland.
Maxence Lacroix
Lacroix stands poised for his competitive Chelsea bow on Saturday evening. Considerable expectations surround the French international, who completed a £52million transfer from Crystal Palace during the summer, slotting into the heart of Chelsea’s rearguard.
Chelsea’s new centre-back Maxence Lacroix(Image: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC)
Levi Colwill
In many respects, Colwill resembles a fresh acquisition. The English centre-back missed most of the previous campaign due to a serious knee ligament problem but rejoined the squad for the closing stages of the season. Within those limited appearances, Colwill illustrated precisely what Chelsea had lacked throughout the term.
Pedro Neto
Neto exceled considerably operating as a right wing-back against Real Sociedad. The unconventional position appears to complement the Portuguese international’s abilities. Neto has attracted speculation regarding a potential departure from Stamford Bridge, though club sources maintain the west Londoners are not actively pursuing a sale, despite placing an approximate £100million valuation on the wide attacker.
Reece James
James might be positioned to begin in the centre of the park. Pre-match discussion centres predominantly on Fernandez, his situation and whether he features at Craven Cottage. Fernandez may well begin this fixture from the substitutes’ bench in the captain’s stead.
Chelsea and England defender Reece James(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
Moises Caicedo
This selection presents no dilemma whatsoever. Caicedo has delivered outstanding performances since joining Chelsea, though there exists a belief that Alonso can elevate his contribution significantly. A formidable prospect indeed.
Marco Palestra
The adaptable Italian defender created quite an impression throughout his inaugural pre-season at the club. Palestra operated as a left wing-back the previous weekend, and given how effectively that experiment proceeded, Alonso might deploy the energetic 21-year-old in a comparable capacity once more.
Cole Palmer
Alonso forecast that Palmer, whom he also labelled exceptional, would enjoy a productive campaign this term following a disappointing previous season. The 24-year-old could feature on the right side of an attacking trident against Fulham on Saturday evening, with his close friend stationed on the opposite flank.
Cole Palmer is fit and ready for the new campaign(Image: Ryan Pierse)
Morgan Rogers
Palmer’s companion and Chelsea’s most expensive acquisition. Rogers prepares for his competitive debut for the club on Saturday night. The England international was introduced to the Stamford Bridge supporters against Real Sociedad nine days prior and marked the occasion by finding the net. He would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to register his first official goal this evening.
Joao Pedro
Fresh from committing to an enhanced contract and inheriting the number nine jersey at Stamford Bridge, what an extraordinary few days it has been for Joao Pedro. He now serves as Chelsea’s leading light and will be aiming to net the first of many Premier League goals this term against Fulham. One would not discount him achieving that.