Chelsea is preparing for their West London derby against Fulham, with Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim manager due to Liam Rosenior’s absence. The lineup prediction is tricky as several players are returning, making changes likely after the recent draw with Manchester City.
Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
Recent Lineup for Chelsea
Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have shared goalkeeping duties, with Sanchez being the primary choice but sidelined in the last match due to injury. The defensive lineup has included Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wes Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, and Reece James.
James has also played in midfield, partnering with either Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, or Andrey Santos based on availability. Enzo has also pushed up to play as a number ten, where he shares space with Cole Palmer. Currently, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, and Pedro Neto are the main options for the wings.
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have alternated as strikers, depending on availability and fitness levels.
Recent Performance & Tactics
Chelsea typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation with a focus on man-to-man pressing when possible. The strategy revolves around retaining possession, building from the back, and applying aggressive pressure to win the ball high up the pitch. In the match against Manchester City, they opted for a more defensive counter-attacking approach, with their right winger dropping back to form a five-man defense when out of possession.
The team has struggled in the league lately, managing only two clean sheets since December with just one win. Defensive errors have cost them leads or put them at a disadvantage, making it tougher for attackers to secure victories. A win is essential to avoid falling into the congested middle of the table where standings can change dramatically with each match.
Chelsea Team Updates
As many as seven players might miss this match, alongside others who may need rest after the recent league game. According to PremierInjuries, McFarlane may not have Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cucurella, Fofana, and Sanchez available.
Additionally, Acheampong, Gusto, Neto, Palmer, and Enzo could be in need of rest after playing significant minutes recently.
Predicted Lineup for Chelsea
Given some minor injuries and illnesses that cannot be fully assessed without training data, we will proceed with the assumption that Sanchez and Cucurella will be fit, while Fofana’s illness will keep him sidelined.
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Benoit Badiashile
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Reece James
DM – Moises Caicedo
DM – Enzo Fernandez
AM – Cole Palmer
W – Alejandro Garnacho
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Liam Delap
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