Updated Aug. 24, 2026, 1:56 p.m. ET
Chelsea had a transformative summer, welcoming yet another new manager in Xabi Alonso before shelling out a record 117 million pounds (about $156 million) to make Morgan Rogers the most expensive British player in history and welcoming
The London club hung around near the top of the table early last season but everything blew up in the winter. Enzo Maresca’s startling departure paved the way for Liam Rosenior to sign a six-year deal to manage Chelsea. He lasted less than four months on the job, getting fired amid a six-match losing streak that forced Chelsea into a 10th-place finish. Rogers, 24, should play a major creative role alongside Cole Palmer, who will be looking to return to form after being left off the England World Cup roster. But Chelsea’s most important signing of the summer may be defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, a 26-year-old Premier League veteran that the team can build around on the back line.
Rogers and Lacroix will both start in Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday, Aug. 24. Here’s how Chelsea will line up at Craven Cottage:
Chelsea lineup vs Fulham Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill Midfielders/Wing backs: Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Jorell Hato Attacking midfielders: Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers Forward: João Pedro How to watch Chelsea vs Fulham game today Time: 3 p.m. ET TV channel: USA Spanish-language: Universo Live stream: Sling, Fubo Watch Chelsea vs Fulham on Sling
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