The Xabi Alonso era officially gets underway on Monday as Chelsea close out Gameweek 1 of the new Premier League season by visiting west London neighbors Fulham. It’s been another summer of change for the Blues, who have undergone another managerial change and a mass overhaul of their playing squad. Quiet optimism surrounds Alonso’s side ahead of their opener, but that will quickly evaporate if they fail to conquer Fulham at Craven Cottage. Debuts should be handed out to several of Chelsea’s new recruits, either from the start or the bench. Record signing Morgan Rogers is one of those likely to feature in the starting XI, which could see him deployed as an inside forward in Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.Here’s who will join him on the teamsheet. Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. FulhamThere could be three debutants in the Chelsea XI. | FotMobGK: Robert Sánchez—Many expected Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper over the summer, but Alonso has backed his compatriot Sánchez to succeed as his first-choice between the posts. CB: Reece James—Such is the versatility of Chelsea’s captain, he could comfortably slot in at right wing back or central midfield, but he’s expected to feature as the right-sided center half in Alonso’s back three. CB: Maxence Lacroix—Chelsea’s $70 million summer signing blossomed across London at Crystal Palace, but the pressure that comes with starting for the Blues is much, much greater. Mistakes won’t be tolerated. CB: Levi Colwill—Alonso will be delighted to have Colwill at his disposal after the Englishman missed almost all of last season with an ACL tear. He should make a massive difference in the backline, both with his defensive ability and passing range. RWB: Pedro Neto—Question marks remain over Neto’s future amid Manchester City interest, but the 26-year-old was excellent as a wingback during Chelsea’s final preseason friendly of the summer against Real Sociedad. CM: Moisés Caicedo—The tough-tackling midfielder will be asked to cover plenty of ground in a new system. Fortunately for Chelsea, he seldom fails to deliver in the engine room. CM: Enzo Fernández—Much like Neto, the future of Fernández remains up in the air—also amid Man City interest—but Alonso appears unlikely to rest the Argentina midfielder as Chelsea seek a winning start. LWB: Marco Palestra—There have been promising displays from Palestra during preseason, with the flying Italian having seemingly earned his manager’s faith already. RF: Cole Palmer—After an underwhelming, injury hit 2025–26 campaign, Palmer desperately needs to rediscover his mojo. With no European soccer for Chelsea this season, their talisman should benefit from a lighter schedule. ST: João Pedro—Pedro will be eager to celebrate his fresh contract extension by finding the net at Craven Cottage. After seven goals during preseason, it would be brave to bet against the Brazilian. LF: Morgan Rogers—It’s time for the official debut of Chelsea’s $157 million signing, who scored his first unofficial goal for the club during the victory over Real Sociedad. He should be given plenty of freedom to operate behind Pedro.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow