Chelsea Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Face Fulham in West London Derby Without Palmer

Chelsea prepare for a significant Premier League clash against Fulham at Stamford Bridge with injury concerns dominating the build-up. Cole Palmer, such a vital creative presence, has been ruled out after suffering a groin issue during the warm-up before last week’s emphatic 5-1 win over West Ham. He now begins a spell on the sidelines and was omitted from the latest England squad named by Thomas Tuchel.

Manager Enzo Maresca admitted Palmer had been carrying the problem since the opening day draw with Crystal Palace, and on Friday confirmed his absence. “Cole, we need to see day by day,” Maresca said. “Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile I don’t think will be back until after the international break.”

Injury List Grows for Chelsea

Chelsea’s treatment room is worryingly busy. Alongside Palmer, Romeo Lavia and Badiashile are sidelined until after the break, while Levi Colwill faces a lengthy lay-off with a serious knee injury. Nicolas Jackson is not expected to feature as he edges closer to an exit before the transfer deadline, and Christopher Nkunku is also set for a move to AC Milan. Mykhailo Mudryk is unavailable too, leaving Maresca with limited attacking options.

Selection Dilemmas for Maresca

Fulham’s visit forces Maresca into tough choices. Up front, he may once again turn to Liam Delap as striker with Joao Pedro operating just behind in a No10 role. In defence, Reece James could return to right-back although Malo Gusto provides a strong alternative. Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to continue their partnership in central defence, offering some consistency.

Predicted Line-up and Match Details

The predicted Chelsea XI in a 4-1-4-1 formation is: Sanchez, James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Delap.

Kick-off against Fulham is scheduled for 12:30pm BST on Saturday 30 August 2025 at Stamford Bridge. Supporters can watch live coverage on TNT Sports as Chelsea aim to build momentum despite a depleted squad.