Fulham vs Chelsea - Premier League Preview, Team News, Prediction & How To Watch | OneFootball

Previewing Chelsea's Premier League opener vs Fulham on August 24. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea face Fulham in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 campaign on Monday night.

A short trip awaits Chelsea to play their west London neighbours at Craven Cottage, as they get their campaign underway under new manager Xabi Alonso, who was appointed as the club's new boss this summer.

The Blues will be keen to improve on last season's 10th-place finish, which cost them European football. They finished one place above Fulham, who finished 11th on a worse goal difference.

They are also under new management following Marco Silva's departure. Álvaro Arbeloa is now in the dugout as a new era awaits both west London clubs.

Both sides will be keen to kick their season off with a win, as well as claim bragging rights. Chelsea will be favourites, but Fulham did win the last meeting when they hosted the Blues earlier this year in January.

Here are all the details you need ahead of Monday's Premier League opener against Fulham.

Kick-off time: 8pm (UK)

Stadium: Craven Cottage

Chelsea team news vs Fulham

Fortunately for Alonso, most of the Chelsea side is available for the trip to Fulham.

Wesley Fofana is serving a suspension after his red card against Sunderland on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

Danny Welbeck is pushing to be in contention. He is expected to return to team training a couple of days before the London derby after overcoming a minor issue.

Alonso confirmed that the World Cup stars who returned late are available for selection, but it remains unclear what part they will play in the game - whether from the start or from the bench. It will likely be a mixture, given that many were given 60 minutes or so in the final pre-season match against Real Sociedad.

The likes of Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers will be among the new signings pushing for their official debuts for the club.

Joao Pedro will be hoping to continue his pre-season form as the new campaign gets underway. After being given the club's number nine shirt, he will be aiming to get his season off to the perfect start as he chases the league's Golden Boot award.

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Premier League fixture will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Go.

United States: fuboTV, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, TeleXitos

Prediction

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea