Xabi Alonso is preparing to take charge of his first competitive fixture as Chelsea manager when the Blues travel across west London to face Fulham in their opening match of the Premier League season. The clash at Craven Cottage carries added significance as a new chapter begins for both clubs, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Alonso's former teammate at Liverpool and with the Spanish national team, now leading the home side.
How Alonso sets up his side for this fixture could offer an early indication of his broader plans for the campaign, hinting at which players are set to feature most prominently as the season unfolds.
Between the posts, Robert Sanchez looks likely to retain his position as first-choice goalkeeper, despite the arrival of Mike Penders, who joins the club to provide depth and competition for the role.
While Chelsea have typically operated in a 4-2-3-1 shape under previous managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Alonso appears inclined to implement the 3-4-2-1 system that brought him considerable success during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. This tactical shift could mark a defining feature of his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
In defense, the trio that started in a recent outing against Real Sociedad may provide clues to Alonso's preferred backline. Levi Colwill, now back to full fitness, lined up alongside new signing Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana in that match. However, Fofana will be unavailable for the Fulham fixture due to suspension stemming from a red card picked up on the final day of last season against Sunderland. Reece James, who featured in midfield during the Sociedad game, could be shifted back into defense to fill the void left by Fofana, occupying the right centre-back slot.
At left wing-back, the situation remains fluid. New arrivals Marco Palestra and Pep Chavarria split time in that position during the pre-season fixture, but Jorrel Hato may now be in contention for a more prominent role following the departure of Marc Cucurella, who completed a move to Real Madrid. Reports suggest Hato is being lined up for expanded responsibilities this season, though potentially in a more conventional left-back role rather than as a wing-back. Should that be the case, Palestra may retain his starting spot on the left side of Alonso's setup.
Much of this could hinge on developments in the ongoing transfer situation involving Enzo Fernandez before kickoff, which may influence how Alonso structures his midfield and attacking options.
Based on the shape and personnel used in recent outings, Chelsea's likely starting XI against Fulham could read: Sanchez in goal; James, Lacroix, and Colwill across the back three; Neto, Fernandez, Caicedo, and Palestra forming the midfield four; with Palmer and Rogers operating just behind lone striker Joao Pedro.
That configuration would leave attacking talents Estevao and Geovany Quenda as options to be introduced from the substitutes' bench, giving Alonso flexibility to alter the game's dynamic depending on how the match unfolds.
As Alonso embarks on his managerial journey at Stamford Bridge, all eyes will be on how his tactical philosophy translates to the Premier League, starting with this high-profile derby against a Fulham side also entering a new era under Arbeloa's leadership.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.