Chelsea begin their top-flight season with a London derby against Fulham – here is how their ideal first eleven might line up
The Blues are preparing for their opening league match against Fulham (Image: Getty)
Chelsea have undergone significant changes during the close season and appear well-placed heading into the new campaign. The appointment of Xabi Alonso has generated fresh optimism, with the club eager to move on from last term’s underwhelming 10th-placed league finish.
As has become the norm under the BlueCo ownership, heavy investment has continued during the transfer period, most notably the club-record £117million acquisition of Morgan Rogers. The west London side have also continued to raise substantial funds through player sales, receiving more than £140m from the exits of players including Marc Cucurella and Andrey Santos.
However, with the squad still oversized, reducing the numbers has become essential. In defence, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo appear destined to depart, while upfront, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu could also leave after falling down the selection order. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Emegha would benefit from a temporary switch elsewhere to gain consistent senior action.
The Blues also appear somewhat short in central midfield following Santos’ exit, particularly given Romeo Lavia’s poor injury history and Dario Essugo’s lack of experience. Bringing in a player such as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott would therefore make considerable sense.
If, theoretically, all of that were to occur, here is how Chelsea’s ideal first eleven might appear for Monday’s opening league fixture against Fulham.
Goalkeeper
While Robert Sanchez has served as Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper for much of his spell at the club, the ideal situation would see Mike Penders handed the role between the posts. The young Belgian, who has drawn comparisons to Thibaut Courtois, is set for his debut season at Stamford Bridge after impressing during a temporary spell at Strasbourg.
Chelsea are enthusiastic about Penders’ prospects, with some already suggesting he could grow into one of the world’s finest goalkeepers. Nevertheless, for him to reach that potential, the club must demonstrate belief in him and provide consistent opportunities to establish himself.
Sanchez might represent the more cautious choice for the immediate future, but Penders would be the perfect selection to begin against Fulham. His emergence as a genuine contender for the number one spot could indicate Chelsea’s lengthy and often frustrating hunt for a dependable, elite goalkeeper might finally be concluding.
Defence
Towards the end of pre-season, Alonso switched to a three-man defensive system, indicating how he intends to set up against Fulham. Rather than a conventional back four, three centre-backs will make up the defensive unit. In an ideal scenario, that defensive trio would feature Reece James on the right, summer signing Maxence Lacroix in the centre, and Levi Colwill holding the left position.
Jorrel Hato is unfortunate to miss out after a strong conclusion to last season, but alongside Wesley Fofana, he offers excellent backup across the defensive line. Youngsters Mamadou Sarr and Josh Acheampong provide additional options, giving Alonso plenty of quality choices to rotate throughout the season.
Meanwhile, a senior exodus appears likely. Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo are all expected to depart before the transfer window shuts, creating crucial squad space as Alonso establishes a revamped backline.
Midfield
In Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 shape, the wing-back and central midfield partnership will be crucial for controlling matches. Marco Palestra occupies the right wing-back position, with Pep Chavarria starting on the left, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez form an authoritative pairing in the centre of the pitch.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are a powerful combination in Chelsea’s midfield (Image: Getty Images)
Attacking players such as Pedro Neto, Estevao, Geovany Quenda and Jamie Gittens provide excellent versatility to switch between wing-back and the number ten positions (which we will address shortly). However, as specialist wing-backs, Palestra and Chavarria deliver natural width and tactical awareness best suited to those wide positions.
Defensively, Reece James and Malo Gusto offer excellent backup on the right, while Hato can comfortably move across to cover the left, as can Palestra, who has been used on both sides during pre-season.
While retaining a player who has been considering an exit is not ideal, keeping hold of someone as talented as Fernandez is the absolute ideal situation for Chelsea. Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, summer arrivals Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson, and potentially Alex Scott provide strong backup options in central midfield, meaning the Blues will have plenty of depth in the middle of the park.
Attack
In attack, Joao Pedro operates as the central striker, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers supporting in the two number ten positions. Joao Pedro has shown excellent form throughout pre-season, while the close friendship between Palmer and Rogers off the pitch suggests natural understanding in the half-spaces.
Close pals Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers could form a dangerous partnership at Chelsea
The ideal striker hierarchy depends on retaining Nicolas Jackson, whose potential still appears significant despite not yet fully developing into a natural finisher. In this ideal situation, Emanuel Emegha would go out on loan to obtain the consistent game time necessary for his progression, while Liam Delap and Marc Guiu are sold – leaving Jackson and summer arrival Danny Welbeck as dependable, high-quality backup behind Joao Pedro.
Alonso would also possess exceptional depth and adaptability behind his main starters. Both Jackson and Joao Pedro can fill the number ten positions, as can Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto and Estevao, guaranteeing no shortage of creativity if Palmer or Rogers require a rest or are absent due to injury.
Chelsea’s starting eleven against Fulham in full (3-4-2-1): Penders; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Fernandez, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.