Xabi Alonso Aims for Local Pride as Chelsea Visits Fulham for Premier League Clash
Xabi Alonso is set to commence his managerial journey with Chelsea by seeking local bragging rights in a match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Alonso, a former Liverpool and Spain midfielder, will share the touchline with Alvaro Arbeloa, who is also making his Premier League debut as the head coach of Fulham.
This summer, Chelsea has made significant investments, highlighted by the £117 million acquisition of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. The club aims to improve its fortunes after finishing in a disappointing 10th place last season.
In contrast, Fulham faces new challenges following the departure of Marco Silva, with Arbeloa looking to advance the team with players he recruited from Real Madrid.
Here’s what you need to know.
When is Fulham vs Chelsea?
Fulham’s match against Chelsea is scheduled to kick off at 8 PM BST on Monday, 24 August, at Craven Cottage.
How can I watch it?
In the UK, viewers can catch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6:30 PM BST. Those who do not have a Sky subscription can purchase a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a regular subscription.
Team news
Fulham’s only injury issue is Tom Cairney, who is sidelined due to a knee problem. Additionally, Joachim Andersen will be unavailable as he serves the last match of his three-game suspension for a sending off against Bournemouth in May. Newly signed ex-Real Madrid players Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios could make their Premier League debuts.
For Chelsea, Danny Welbeck will undergo a late fitness test, while Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are confirmed to be out with injuries. Wesley Fofana will also miss the match due to a suspension resulting from a red card last season.
Predicted line-ups
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Bobb, King, Palacios; Garcia.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Lavia, Neto; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Xabi Alonso will look to begin his Chelsea tenure by claiming local bragging rights as the Blues make the hop to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.
The former Liverpool and Spain midfielder shares the touchline with a fellow Premier League debutant, with Alvaro Arbeloa similarly making his managerial bow in the English top flight with the hosts.
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The Blues have spent big once again this summer, headlined by the £117m signing of England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, in a bid to change their fortunes after a dismal 10th-place finish last season.
Fulham, meanwhile, will hope not to regress in a post-Marco Silva era, with Arbeloa hoping to move the team forward with his Real Madrid recruits.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Fulham vs Chelsea?
Fulham’s clash with Chelsea kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday 24 August at Craven Cottage.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6:30pm BST. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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Team news
Fulham’s only injury concern regards Tom Cairney who is out with a knee problem, while Joachim Andersen will serve the final match of his three-game ban for a sending-off against Bournemouth in May. Ex-Real Madrid duo Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios could be in line for Premier League debuts.
Danny Welbeck faces a late fitness test for Chelsea, while Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha are definitely out with injury. Wesley Fofana, like Anderson, serves a suspension for a sending off last term.
Predicted line-ups
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Bobb, King, Palacios; Garcia.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Lavia, Neto; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
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