Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has provided clarity regarding the absence of Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra from the matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Fulham. The Blues boss revealed that both players were sidelined due to late fitness issues, forcing a reshuffle in his first competitive starting XI.
Our expert offers his Fulham vs Chelsea Predictions, Lineups, Odds & Tips for their opening league game on Monday night, including value on the goalscorer bet.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has lauded summer signing Marco Palestra for offering "something different" ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham. The Spanish tactician praised the versatile defender's tactical education in Italian football and positive dressing-room influence as the Blues prepare for Monday's London derby at Craven Cottage.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa insisted his longstanding friendship with Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will be set aside when the West London rivals clash on Monday night. Both former Liverpool team-mates are preparing for their Premier League managerial debuts at Craven Cottage, adding an intriguing subplot to an already intense opening London derby.
Xabi Alonso has broken his silence regarding the future of Enzo Fernandez as transfer speculation continues to swirl around the Argentine midfielder. The Chelsea head coach insisted that the 2022 World Cup winner remains a core part of his plans despite heavy links with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
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Premier League clubs Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Fulham have all identified Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen as a primary transfer target this summer. Crystal Palace are currently leading the race for the defender, but Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could launch a late bid as they urgently seek defensive cover for William Saliba following his recent injury.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has opened up on the club's decision to recruit highly-rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa. The Spaniard believes the addition of specialized experts is essential for the Blues to bridge the gap at the top of the Premier League.
Reece James has admitted that he still has "rust" to shake off despite making a successful return to action in Chelsea's final pre-season friendly. The Blues captain featured in the 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, but he warned that the squad is still finding its rhythm under new management.
Atalanta have rejected a €20m offer from Fulham for wing-back Raoul Bellanova after manager Maurizio Sarri deemed the 26-year-old defender indispensable to his squad. The Cottagers are the latest Premier League outfit to see their approach rebuffed, with Everton also failing with an earlier attempt for the versatile Italy international this summer.
Fulham forfeited their post-match penalty shootout against Malaga in the Costa del Sol Trophy after a 2-2 draw at La Rosaleda. The Premier League side cited contractual terms and urgent flight arrangements for their decision to leave the pitch without taking a single penalty, handing the Spanish outfit the trophy in front of 17,179 supporters.
As the highly anticipated 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season approaches, new research from SeatPin has explored the psychology behind managerial decision-making. By analysing the habits of last year's champion, experts have revealed why consistency is far more crucial than chasing form in Gameweek 1.
Fulham have completed the signing of Northern Ireland international midfielder Shea Charles in a deal worth up to £30m from Southampton. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage to become the most expensive player in his country's history, strengthening the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Football Association (FA) has introduced tougher regulations to combat discriminatory conduct across English football ahead of the upcoming campaign. Under the updated framework, players, managers, and technical staff found guilty of aggravated misconduct will now face an increased minimum suspension of 10 matches to foster an inclusive environment.
Fulham have successfully negotiated a stunning double swoop for Real Madrid starlets Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios in a deal worth a combined €50 million. The move sees two of La Fabrica’s brightest talents head to West London to reunite with former Madrid youth coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who has prioritised the duo for his new project in the Premier League.
Premier League side Fulham are prepared to make a lucrative offer to secure Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia. However, while the English outfit want to acquire all of the youngster's registration rights, the Spanish giants are determined to retain a percentage of his ownership to benefit from any future moves, creating a significant hurdle in the ongoing negotiations.
Manchester United have been told that Antonee Robinson “fits the bill” when it comes to left-back reinforcements, with the USMNT star considered to be the ideal candidate to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Jonathan Spector has explained to GOAL why a raid on Premier League rivals Fulham should be considered by Michael Carrick and the Red Devils’ board.
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