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The Xabi Alonso era officially kicks off on Monday as Chelsea wrap up Gameweek 1 of the new Premier League season with a trip to west London rivals Fulham.
It's been yet another summer of upheaval for the Blues, who have gone through a fresh managerial appointment and a sweeping overhaul of their squad. Cautious optimism surrounds Alonso's team ahead of their opening fixture, though that mood could sour quickly if they fall short against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Several of Chelsea's new arrivals are expected to make their debuts, whether from the first whistle or off the bench. Record acquisition Morgan Rogers is among those likely to feature in the starting lineup, potentially deployed as an inside forward within Alonso's favored 3-4-2-1 system.
Here's who will line up alongside him on the teamsheet.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Fulham
GK: Robert Sánchez—Many anticipated Chelsea would bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, but Alonso has shown faith in his fellow Spaniard Sánchez to serve as his undisputed number one between the sticks.
CB: Reece James—Such is the adaptability of Chelsea's skipper, he could easily slot in at right wing-back or central midfield, but he's anticipated to line up as the right-sided center-back in Alonso's back three.
CB: Maxence Lacroix—Chelsea's $70 million summer recruit impressed across London at Crystal Palace, but the scrutiny that comes with pulling on a Blues shirt is far more intense. Errors will not be forgiven.
CB: Levi Colwill—Alonso will be thrilled to have Colwill available after the Englishman missed nearly the entire previous season due to an ACL injury. He is set to make a significant impact at the back, both defensively and with his distribution.
RWB: Pedro Neto—Uncertainty lingers over Neto's future amid reported interest from Manchester City, but the 26-year-old impressed in a wing-back role during Chelsea's final preseason friendly against Real Sociedad.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—The combative midfielder will be required to cover a lot of ground within the new system. Fortunately for Chelsea, he rarely disappoints when it comes to doing the hard yards in midfield.
CM: Enzo Fernández—Much like Neto, Fernández's future remains uncertain—also with Man City reportedly circling—but Alonso seems unlikely to leave the Argentine out as Chelsea look to begin the season with a victory.
LWB: Marco Palestra—The Italian speedster has turned heads with some encouraging preseason performances, seemingly having already won over his new manager.
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RF: Cole Palmer—Following a frustrating, injury-disrupted 2025–26 campaign, Palmer is in desperate need of rediscovering his best form. With Chelsea absent from European competition this season, their key man should benefit from a reduced workload.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro will be keen to mark his new contract extension with a goal at Craven Cottage. Having netted seven times during preseason, it would take a bold punter to back against the Brazilian delivering.
LF: Morgan Rogers—The moment has arrived for Chelsea's $157 million signing to make his competitive bow, having already netted his first unofficial goal for the club in the win over Real Sociedad. He should enjoy considerable freedom to roam in behind Pedro.