Fulham and Chelsea reveal expected line-ups for Premier League curtain-raiser

Fulham will host Chelsea on Monday, 24 August 2026, at 19:00 GMT in the opening match of the new Premier League season, with both clubs approaching the fixture with ambition. The probable line-ups for the meeting point to two sides with plenty of quality across their squads.

Fulham have strengthened their squad and are expected to begin the campaign with a balanced team capable of testing any Premier League opponent. Alvaro Arbeloa’s players are regarded as having the collective quality to make life difficult for Chelsea in the opening fixture.

Bernd Leno is expected to start in goal, with Fulham’s probable defence comprising Timothy Castagne, Jorge Cuenca, Calvin Bassey and Antonee Robinson.

Sander Berge is listed as the holding midfielder, while Alex Iwobi, Oscar Bobb and Josh King are named among the midfield options. Kevin and Garcia are expected to lead the attack.

Probable Fulham team

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

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

Midfielders: Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Oscar Bobb, Josh King

Forwards: Kevin, Garcia

Chelsea, meanwhile, have seen several players leave during the summer, although the core of the squad remains strong. The Blues are expected to combine new arrivals with established members of the team as they begin the league campaign away from home.

Robert Sanchez is the projected starter in goal. Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill and Neto are listed as the likely defensive line.

The midfield is expected to feature Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Pelestra. Cole Palmer, Pedro and Rogers are named as Chelsea’s probable attacking players.

Probable Chelsea team

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez

Defenders: Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Neto

Midfielders: Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Pelestra

Forwards: Cole Palmer, Pedro, Rogers

Fulham and Chelsea will therefore meet in the first round of the English championship, with the fixture providing an early test of the two teams’ preparations and squad depth. Fulham are expected to rely on their strengthened and cohesive group, while Chelsea will look to the quality of their remaining squad and their combination of recruits and existing players.

The pre-match betting prices listed by 1xbet make Chelsea the favourites. Fulham are priced at 3.10 to win, while a draw is available at 3.55 and a Chelsea victory at 2.00. The source article also refers to the option of downloading 1xbet.

The match is scheduled to begin at 19:00 GMT on Monday, 24 August 2026, with Fulham opening their Premier League campaign against Chelsea.