Fulham and Chelsea begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaigns with a West London derby at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The opening-week fixture also brings together two new managers, as Alvaro Arbeloa faces his former Liverpool teammate Xabi Alonso.
Fulham experienced an uneven first summer under Arbeloa, recording two wins, two draws and two defeats. A chaotic 2-2 draw with Malaga was followed by a more controlled 1-0 victory over Stuttgart, while the arrivals of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios have given the Cottagers a younger and more mobile attack.
Chelsea ended their preparations by beating Real Sociedad 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Morgan Rogers scoring on his debut and Joao Pedro adding two goals. The Blues won three of their six friendlies and scored 16 times, but Alonso must still improve a defensive structure that conceded 11 goals.
Fulham vs Chelsea: Key Stats
Fulham's pre-season form guide: L-D-W-L-D-W, with two victories from six matches
Chelsea's pre-season form guide: W-L-L-W-D-W, with three victories from six friendlies
Chelsea scored 16 goals during pre-season, with Joao Pedro contributing seven
Fulham ended their preparations with a 1-0 victory and clean sheet against Stuttgart
Chelsea have won 17 of the previous 28 meetings, while Fulham have recorded three victories
Photo Credit (Chelsea fc)
What to Expect
Fulham will be without suspended centre-back Joachim Andersen and injured captain Tom Cairney. Jorge Cuenca should therefore join Calvin Bassey in central defence, with Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson at full-back. Sander Berge is expected to protect the defence while Alex Iwobi helps Fulham progress the ball.
Arbeloa has several decisions to make behind new striker Gonzalo Garcia. Oscar Bobb, Josh King and Cesar Palacios offer movement and creativity, although Emile Smith Rowe and Kevin are also pushing to start. Fulham will try to draw Chelsea forward before attacking the spaces behind the wing-backs.
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns, and Alonso has confirmed that the players who returned late after the World Cup are available. His 3-4-2-1 should place Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers behind the in-form Joao Pedro. Enzo Fernandez is expected to feature despite speculation over his future, while Wesley Fofana remains unavailable.
Predicted Lineups
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, King, Palacios; Gonzalo Garcia
Chelsea (3-4-2-1)
Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
Players to Watch
Gonzalo Garcia - Fulham's club-record summer signing is expected to lead the line on his Premier League debut. His sharp movement and familiarity with Arbeloa's demands can trouble a Chelsea back three that is still developing its understanding.
Cesar Palacios - The young midfielder impressed against Stuttgart with his passing between the lines. Fulham need his confidence and invention if they are to play through Chelsea's press rather than relying only on counterattacks.
Joao Pedro - Chelsea's new number nine scored seven goals in pre-season, including two against Real Sociedad. His movement, link play and calm finishing make him the obvious threat to a Fulham defence missing Andersen.
Cole Palmer - Palmer remains Chelsea's principal creator and should operate close to Rogers behind Joao Pedro. His ability to receive between the lines and deliver the final pass can expose any uncertainty in Fulham's reshaped defence.
Prediction
Prediction: Chelsea to win @ 1.98
Chelsea ended pre-season with two wins and a draw from their final three matches, scoring nine goals during that run. Joao Pedro is in outstanding form, while Palmer and Rogers give Alonso two creative players capable of exploiting the absence of Andersen from Fulham's defence.
Fulham should remain competitive at Craven Cottage and won this fixture 2-1 in January, so an easy away victory is not guaranteed. However, Chelsea possess greater depth, more individual quality and several ways to change the game from the bench. The Blues are the stronger selection, with a 2-1 away win the preferred scoreline.
