Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham - Premier League
- Chelsea face Fulham in their first Premier League game of 2024
- Blues fell to disappointing midweek defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup
- Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of injuries and Nicolas Jackson is away at the Africa Cup of Nations
Chelsea are looking to bounce back from midweek disappointment when they host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
The Blues suffered another setback on Tuesday evening, losing 1-0 to Middlesbrough in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. While they have the chance to redeem themselves in the return leg at the end of January, defeat at the hands of Championship Boro may knock their already fragile confidence.
Fortunately for Chelsea, they welcome one of their favourite opponents to Stamford Bridge this weekend. The Blues have lost just once in 24 meetings with Fulham, with Mauricio Pochettino's side winning their first league fixture with the Cottagers this season 2-0 courtesy of Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja goals.
Pochettino does have a number of injuries and absentees to contend with, although he will still be able to field an embarrassment of riches at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
Here is how Chelsea could line up against Fulham in their next outing.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Djordje Petrovic - With Robert Sanchez injured, Petrovic has had to step in during the Spaniard's absence. The Serb has been an able deputy since coming into the team, even proving the hero in a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
RB: Malo Gusto - The Frenchman has been impressive this season, especially given the huge, Reece James-sized shoes he is expected to fill. It will be an interesting battle of attacking full-backs between Gusto and Antonee Robinson down Chelsea's right-hand side.
CB: Axel Disasi - A regular in the Chelsea starting lineup this season, the summer signing has started 18 of the Blues' Premier League games.
CB: Thiago Silva - Still going strong at the age of 39, Silva has also started 18 Premier League matches this term and has formed a solid partnership with Disasi in the heart of defence.
LB: Levi Colwill - The imminent return of Ben Chilwell should enable Colwill to move back to his favoured centre-back position, although he will likely have to start on the left side of defence against Fulham.
CM: Moises Caicedo - Still finding his feet in a Chelsea shirt following his £115m move, the Ecuadorian will have to keep close tabs on fellow South American Andreas Pereira.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - One of Chelsea's standout performers this campaign, Fernandez put in a wonderful display against Preston North End last weekend in the FA Cup third round.
RM: Cole Palmer - After some poor misses against Middlesbrough midweek, Palmer will want to get back to his ruthless best against Fulham. The youngster's last Premier League outing saw him deliver two goals and an assist.
AM: Conor Gallagher - Despite ongoing rumours regarding his future, Gallagher remains a key component in Chelsea's midfield. The Englishman has started all but one league game this term.
LM: Raheem Sterling - The winger was also in devastating mood against Preston last weekend, but has been hit and miss in recent weeks.
ST: Armando Broja - The Albanian was a surprise omission against Middlesbrough midweek, especially given Nicolas Jackson is at the Africa Cup of Nations and Christopher Nkunku is injured. The striker has only scored two goals this season, one of which came at Craven Cottage in October.
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