By
Darren
Plant
|
24 Aug 2026 18:49, Last updated: 24 Aug 2026 18:58
Xabi Alonso has named Enzo Fernandez on the Chelsea substitutes’ bench for Monday’s Premier League fixture at Fulham. That is despite Moises Caicedo missing out on a place in the Blues squad, presumably through injury. Fernandez continues to be linked with a transfer to Manchester City, with the most recent report suggesting that a fresh approach from one of Chelsea’s Premier League title rivals is imminent.
Josh Acheampong has been picked as the alternative to Wesley Fofana, who sits out this game due to the red card that he was given on the final weekend of last season. As well as Romeo Lavia surprisingly getting the nod alongside Reece James in midfield, Jorrel Hato starts at left wing-back, with Marco Palestra also a shock absentee from the squad. Malo Gusto is also selected ahead of Pedro Neto, meaning that Alonso goes with a different wing-back combination than started against Real Sociedad in the final pre-season friendly. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro – as expected – start in the final third. © Imago / Mark Pain
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Two Fulham debuts against Chelsea Meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa has handed immediate debuts to Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia, who have been signed from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window. With Joachim Andersen serving a suspension from last season, Calvin Bassey and Jorge Cuenca are the duo selected in the middle of defence. However, Shea Charles, a new arrival from Southampton, is only named among the replacements.
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi, King; Bobb, Garcia, Palacios
Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Reed, Muniz, Kevin, Charles, Sessegnon, Smith Rowe, De Fougerolles
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Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro
Subs: Penders, Chavarria, Barco, Fernandez, Estevao, Gittens, Neto, Quenda, Welbeck
