{"id":1252,"date":"2026-08-15T07:25:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T07:25:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1252"},"modified":"2026-08-15T07:25:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T07:25:31","slug":"predicting-the-chelsea-xi-xabi-alonso-will-name-to-face-fulham-after-mixed-pre-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=1252","title":{"rendered":"Predicting the Chelsea XI Xabi Alonso will name to face Fulham after mixed pre-season"},"content":{"rendered":"


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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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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However, defeats for Chelsea<\/a> against Tottenham and Juventus have exposed some weaknesses still in the squad from last season.<\/p>\n

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Chelsea\u2019s pre-season tour is over! What are your early thoughts on Xabi Alonso as manager? \ud83d\udcad<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Predicted Chelsea XI for Premier League opener vs Fulham<\/h2>\n

There is still one game for the Blues to go against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge<\/a>, with some of their World Cup stars like Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix likely to be available.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have predicted the XI Alonso<\/a> will name for their Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham on August 24.<\/p>\n

Robert Sanchez<\/a> has remained the number one goalkeeper following this pre-season tour, and will start ahead of youngster Mike Penders.<\/p>\n

In a back three, Wesley Fofana<\/a> will start on the right. He enjoyed a very promising performance for the Blues against Milan when this system was debuted.<\/p>\n

He will be joined at the back by new signing Maxence Lacroix<\/a>. The Frenchman has plenty of experience playing in a back three at Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n

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On the left, Levi Colwill<\/a> will start, although will be under pressure to deliver every week with Jorrel Hato behind him in the pecking order.<\/p>\n

The right of midfield will see Pedro Neto<\/a> start, with his defensive work-rate key to him succeeding in this position.<\/p>\n

Moises Caicedo<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

He will be joined by Romeo Lavia<\/a>. The Belgian has impressed during pre-season, and will start as speculation remains over Enzo Fernandez\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

On the left, Marco Palestra<\/a> will make his Premier League debut. He has been one of the standout Blues of the pre-season tour.<\/p>\n

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What system will Xabi Alonso use the most? Where will the likes of Marco Palestra, Reece James, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all fit?<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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In a narrow front three, Cole Palmer<\/a> will start in a position which looks like it perfectly suits his style of play as he looks to get back to his best.<\/p>\n

Morgan Rogers<\/a> will partner him in that role, making his debut for Chelsea after the club played a record fee to sign him this summer.<\/p>\n

Up top, Joao Pedro<\/a> will start, fresh under the tutorship of former teammate Danny Welbeck following his move to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Fulham (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro<\/strong><\/p>\n

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