Chelsea FC are currently in the midst of a stretch of London derbies. They opened the season with a goalless draw at home with Crystal Palace on Aug 17. Last Friday, they destroyed West Ham United 5-1, and this Saturday brings a visit from close neighbors Fulham FC.
After the international break, they’ll head to Brentford FC. And then finally, on September 20, they’ll visit Manchester United, at that will mark their first match this season versus a non-London term.
Fulham Road Derby
Chelsea FC vs Fulham
Kickoff: Sat. Aug 30 12:30pm, Stamford Bridge, London, UK
Chelsea FC Preview Material: Team News Starting Lineup Prediction
Google Result Probabilities: Chelsea FC win 63% Draw 21% Fulham FC 16%
In terms of looking at the first team prediction, let’s start with central defense. We’re thinking Wesley Fofana will start over Josh Acheampong while Tosin Adarabioyo could be considered for a first team assignment as well. Blues boss Enzo Maresca may have a decision to make at right back too- Reece James or Malo Gusto.
And with that said, let’s take a look at who should fill out the rest of the first 11, which should be in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Chelsea FC Starting Lineup Prediction vs Fulham
Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Esteavo, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro; Liam Delap
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter