{"id":2050,"date":"2026-08-24T07:51:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2050"},"modified":"2026-08-24T07:51:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:51:54","slug":"three-chelsea-players-who-need-to-take-chance-to-impress-xabi-alonso-vs-fulham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2050","title":{"rendered":"Three Chelsea players who need to take chance to impress Xabi Alonso vs Fulham"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Chelsea have been handed a great chance to make an early statement to the rest of the Premier League, with The Chelsea Chronicle naming three players who need to grab this opportunity with both hands,<\/strong><\/p>\n

Xabi Alonso\u2019s<\/a> side have seen 18 of the clubs in the league get their season underway, with top four rivals Manchester United and Aston Villa being soundly beaten.<\/p>\n

\n

Enzo Maresca\u2019s Man City won late on<\/a>, while Liverpool needed a last-minute penalty to rescue a point against Newcastle United.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026\/27?<\/h3>\n

Let’s hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Three Chelsea players under pressure to perform vs Fulham<\/h2>\n

Alonso is looking to become the first Chelsea manager since Thomas Tuchel to win<\/a> on the opening day of the season, and he has a personal score to settle as he takes on Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced him at Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have named three players who are going to need to take their chance tonight at Craven Cottage to give themselves a chance a successful 2026\/27 season.<\/p>\n

Maxence Lacroix<\/h2>\n

After joining the Blues in the summer, there is confidence that Maxence Lacroix<\/a> can bring the experience to playing in defence that Chelsea<\/a> have been missing since Thiago Silva departed.<\/p>\n

The Frenchman will be looking to nail down the central position in Alonso\u2019s back three, and will want no bumps in the road tonight.<\/p>\n

Lacroix featured just once during the pre-season campaign, meaning he has not been given long to build up a relationship with the likes of Levi Colwill.<\/p>\n

Chelsea are looking for leadership from the former Crystal Palace man, and Blues fans will want to see it all on show at Craven Cottage.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by Chris Lee \u2013 Chelsea FC\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enzo Fernandez<\/h2>\n

After a summer where a move away from Chelsea looked a certainty, Enzo Fernandez<\/a> is expected to be in the squad to face Fulham tonight.<\/p>\n

The Argentine was greeted by boos at Stamford Bridge<\/a> during the pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, and while his future is still not sorted his quality will still be required.<\/p>\n

Football fans do not take long to get over things like this though, and a strong performance and maybe a goal would see him instantly win those supporters over.<\/p>\n

Fernandez will have to ride the wave, but has a chance to instantly win the boo boys over again with a strong showing tonight.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Chelsea CANNOT sell Enzo Fernandez this season \u2013 prove us wrong!<\/h3>\n

Our season rests on him staying this summer\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Romeo Lavia<\/h2>\n

Competing with Fernandez for a start tonight, Romeo Lavia<\/a> should be boosted by the fact he completed his first 90 minutes for the club during pre-season.<\/p>\n

Alonso spoke about the mental block that had hit Lavia at Stamford Bridge, and it looks as if the midfielder now has a manager who can help him push on and deliver more.<\/p>\n

Injuries are always going to be a worry for Lavia due to the evidence that has been provided so far, although starting the season in strong fashion will remind Chelsea fans of the quality he has when available.<\/p>\n

Chelsea supporters have remained patient with the Belgian as they know how much quality he has, but they are desperate to see results soon, starting tonight against Fulham. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n