Fulham vs Chelsea: Predicted Lineups
London derby tonight! // Chelsea Media
As Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage for tonight’s Premier League west London derby against Fulham, both teams face significant injury concerns.
Chelsea Team News: Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino continues to face a stretched squad with several key players unavailable for the fixture.
Potential Return: Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who had sustained a knee injury in August against West Ham, is on track for a return.
Injuries: Pochettino remains without a host of players: Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Marcus Bettinelli, and the latest addition to the injury list is Ben Chilwell with a hamstring issue from their midweek Carabao Cup victory against Brighton.
Suspensions: Nicolas Jackson misses out due to a one-game suspension following his fifth yellow card against Aston Villa. Additionally, Malo Gusto is serving the second match of his three-game ban.
Given these constraints, Pochettino might look to reshuffle his forward line. Cole Palmer could replace Jackson, with Raheem Sterling potentially playing as a false 9. Armando Broja is expected to be benched due to fitness concerns post his injury lay-off.
Predicted Chelsea XI:
Sanchez; Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Enzo, Mudryk; Sterling.
Fulham Team News: For Fulham, Marco Silva's preparations for the game are hindered by a couple of injury-enforced absences.
Potential Return: Kenny Tete might make his comeback, having missed the last two fixtures. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey is in doubt after sustaining a slight injury against Norwich in the Carabao Cup.
Injuries: Tosin Adarabioyo and winger Adama Traore are both confirmed absentees.
Sasa Lukic, the Serbian midfielder, could make a return after an extended absence since late August due to an unspecified issue.
Predicted Fulham XI:
Leno; Tete, Ream, Diop, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez.
The game promises to be a thrilling west London derby with both teams eager to bag the three points. Chelsea, despite their injury woes, will be looking to maintain their top form, while Fulham will be eager to capitalize on any gaps in the Chelsea defense.
Match Details:
Time and Date: 8 pm BST on Monday, October 2, 2023.
Venue: Craven Cottage.
Fans are in for a treat as two of London's top teams lock horns in what promises to be an exciting contest.