Joao Pedro starts as Chelsea name attacking line-up for Fulham opener

Chelsea will begin their Premier League campaign away to Fulham with Joao Pedro leading the attack, while Cole Palmer has been named in the starting XI for the opening-round fixture.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 22:00 at Craven Cottage, Fulham’s home ground. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed his side for the meeting, with Enzo Fernandez among the substitutes.

Danny Welbeck, described as a new arrival, is also listed on the bench for Chelsea as the club start the new league season looking to improve on their finish last term.

Chelsea’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez.

Defenders: Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong and Malo Gusto.

Midfielders: Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Jorrel Hato.

Forwards: Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.

Joao Pedro is the central figure in Chelsea’s attacking selection, with Rogers and Palmer completing the forward line. Palmer’s inclusion from the start provides continuity in the attacking unit, while the line-up also features a number of players across defence and midfield who will be tasked with controlling the opening stages at Craven Cottage.

The travelling side will have Fernandez available as an alternative from the substitutes’ bench. Welbeck is also set to begin the match among the replacements, meaning Chelsea have additional attacking options available should Alonso decide to change the shape or personnel during the game.

The fixture is the first league match for both clubs and offers an early meeting between teams who finished next to one another in the previous campaign. Chelsea ended last season in 10th place with 52 points.

Fulham finished immediately below them in 11th, also collecting 52 points. The two sides were separated by goal difference, leaving Chelsea one position higher in the final standings.

That close finish adds context to the opening-round contest, although both clubs begin the new campaign with their focus on the present season. Chelsea’s selection places Joao Pedro at the head of the attack, with Palmer starting behind or alongside the forward players, while Fulham will have home advantage at Craven Cottage.

The 22:00 kick-off will provide the first competitive test of Alonso’s Chelsea side and the first opportunity for the starting XI to turn their selection into a positive opening result.