Chelsea hand Xabi Alonso a bold opening-night line-up at Craven Cottage

Xabi Alonso has named his first Chelsea starting XI for a competitive match, with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers leading the attack against Fulham in Monday evening’s Premier League opener at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea head into Alonso’s first official game in charge with an attacking front three, while Enzo Fernandez has been left on the substitutes’ bench. His omission comes amid reports that the midfielder could be close to joining Manchester City this summer.

Robert Sanchez starts in goal for Chelsea. The back three consists of Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill, with Malo Gusto and Reece James operating from the wide midfield positions.

Romeo Lavia completes the central midfield, while Jorrel Hato is also included in the midfield line-up. Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro make up the forward trio selected by Alonso.

Chelsea’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill

Midfielders: Malo Gusto, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato

Forwards: Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro

The match marks Alonso’s first competitive fixture as Chelsea manager and begins the club’s Premier League campaign away from home. The Spaniard has chosen to start with Palmer and Rogers supporting Joao Pedro in attack, while Fernandez will begin the game among the substitutes.

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has also confirmed his side for the meeting at Craven Cottage.

Bernd Leno starts in goal, behind a defence of Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson.

Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi and Josh King form Fulham’s midfield, with the attacking positions going to Palacios, Bob and Gonzalo Garcia.

Fulham’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson

Midfielders: Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Josh King

Forwards: Palacios, Bob, Gonzalo Garcia

The two managers have therefore confirmed their selections for the opening round of the Premier League, with Alonso beginning his Chelsea tenure by naming a side built around three attacking players. Arbeloa’s Fulham will look to make home advantage count at Craven Cottage as both teams begin their league campaign.

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