Overview
Both Chelsea and Fulham enter this season with changes on the coaching bench. On the home team Fulham side, coach Marco Silva left after 5 years of attachment and the opportunity was given back to former Real Madrid legend Alvaro Arbeloa. On Chelsea's side, they will begin a new era under Xabi Alonso.
Debuting in the Premier League right in the London derby is a big challenge for Aberloa, especially considering their rather poor pre-season performance. In the last 6 friendly matches, Fulham has only won 2 matches, keeping 1 clean sheet.
In the last 16 matches against Chelsea in the Premier League, Fulham also only had 2 clean sheets against the opponent. However, Fulham also has reason to be confident when they won Chelsea 2-1 at home at the beginning of this year.
On Chelsea's side, expectations and pressure for Xabi Alonso are very high. In the first match, he had to face his long-time teammate and also the person who replaced him to lead Real Madrid after being sacked.
Alonso's appearance at Stamford Bridge has brought significant optimism to The Blues, a team that has gone through a turbulent season under the guidance of two head coaches and a caretaker coach, ending the season in disappointing 10th place.
That means the team that has won the Premier League 5 times will not be able to participate in any European tournament this season. Chelsea has not yet brought peace of mind to fans as the results of the first friendly match of the season are not really positive. Xabi Alonso needs a victory to gain the trust and support from home fans.
Force information
Fulham has a relatively complete squad, only Tom Cairney (knee injury) is absent. In addition, center-back Joachim Andersen is also serving a prolonged suspension from the end of last season.
The home team may field striker Gonzalo Garcia – who moved from Real Madrid. In addition, new player Cesar Palacios may start in the left winger position. The pressure on Garcia is very high as Fulham's top scorers last season, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, have left the team.
On Chelsea's side, Danny Welbeck is uncertain to play due to fitness issues, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha will definitely be absent from the away squad. Wesley Fofana also cannot participate due to suspension from last season.
Chelsea will rely heavily on the attack, especially striker Joao Pedro, who scored 7 goals in the pre-season period. Last season, the Brazilian striker also scored 15 goals in the Premier League. Cole Palmer and Aston Villa's record signing, Morgan Rogers, supported him.
Expected lineup:
Leno, Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson, Iwobi, Berge; Bobb, King, Palacios, Garcia.
Sanchez, James, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra, Palmer, Rogers, João Pedro.
