Predicting the Chelsea XI Xabi Alonso will name to face Fulham after mixed pre-season
Xabi Alonso will have a clearer idea of the quality of his Chelsea players following their pre-season tour, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side he will name for the Premier League opener against Fulham.
It was a mixed bag for the Blues during their trip to Australia and Asia, winning two games and looking impressive in particular against AC Milan.
However, defeats for Chelsea against Tottenham and Juventus have exposed some weaknesses still in the squad from last season.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour is over! What are your early thoughts on Xabi Alonso as manager? đź’
Predicted Chelsea XI for Premier League opener vs Fulham
There is still one game for the Blues to go against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, with some of their World Cup stars like Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix likely to be available.
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI Alonso will name for their Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham on August 24.
Robert Sanchez has remained the number one goalkeeper following this pre-season tour, and will start ahead of youngster Mike Penders.
In a back three, Wesley Fofana will start on the right. He enjoyed a very promising performance for the Blues against Milan when this system was debuted.
He will be joined at the back by new signing Maxence Lacroix. The Frenchman has plenty of experience playing in a back three at Crystal Palace.
On the left, Levi Colwill will start, although will be under pressure to deliver every week with Jorrel Hato behind him in the pecking order.
The right of midfield will see Pedro Neto start, with his defensive work-rate key to him succeeding in this position.
Moises Caicedo looks as if he is going to be crucial again for Alonso this season, and he will start in a midfield two which currently has not too much security over it.
He will be joined by Romeo Lavia. The Belgian has impressed during pre-season, and will start as speculation remains over Enzo Fernandez’s future.
On the left, Marco Palestra will make his Premier League debut. He has been one of the standout Blues of the pre-season tour.
What system will Xabi Alonso use the most? Where will the likes of Marco Palestra, Reece James, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all fit?
In a narrow front three, Cole Palmer will start in a position which looks like it perfectly suits his style of play as he looks to get back to his best.
Morgan Rogers will partner him in that role, making his debut for Chelsea after the club played a record fee to sign him this summer.
Up top, Joao Pedro will start, fresh under the tutorship of former teammate Danny Welbeck following his move to Stamford Bridge.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Fulham (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
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