Xabi Alonso begins his Chelsea career away at Craven Cottage, facing a Fulham side managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, who once lined up alongside him for club and country.
Chelsea finished 10th last season, one place above Fulham on goal difference alone, and missed out on European football as a result. With no continental fixtures to plan around this season, Alonso has had a full pre-season to work with his squad, and a west London derby represents an immediate opportunity to set the tone.
Chelsea team news
Xabi Alonso is without the suspended Wesley Fofana, who begins a two-match ban after his second red card of last season, picked up against Sunderland on the final day. Jordan Henderson remains sidelined by a wrist injury, and Caleb Wiley (groin), Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr (both knocks) and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) are all doubts.
Danny Welbeck trained away from the group this week with a minor issue Alonso played down, and the head coach expects him back in full training and available for Monday. Fofana’s suspension leaves a gap at the heart of Alonso’s back three, the area of the pitch most affected by his team news heading into the derby.
Levi Colwill is fit and primed for a leading role, Alonso hailing his composure and presence after an uninterrupted pre-season. Enzo Fernández, whose long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains under scrutiny, has trained well since rejoining full training and is “getting ready for Monday”, according to his head coach.
João Pedro has signed a new contract through to 2034 and taken on the number 9 shirt this week, cementing his status as Chelsea’s central attacking focus as he leads the line against his new manager’s former team-mate.
The clearest selection question is out wide: Pedro Neto has agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al-Hilal over an exit, but with the move unresolved he remains part of the group and is expected to start at right wing-back alongside Marco Palestra. With Fofana banned, Colwill is set to complete the back three alongside Maxence Lacroix and Reece James as Alonso settles on a 3-4-2-1.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Chelsea possible starting XI (3-4-3): Sánchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Fernández, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers, João Pedro
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Monday, 24 August 2026.
How to watch Fulham vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK.
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