How to watch Fulham vs Chelsea: TV channel and streaming details | OneFootball

Chelsea Begin New Premier League Era With Fulham Test at Craven Cottage

Chelsea begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, with Xabi Alonso preparing for his first league match in charge of the Blues.

For supporters wondering how to follow Fulham vs Chelsea, the west London derby will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Kick off is scheduled for 8pm BST on Monday 24 August 2026.

Chelsea supporters with a Sky Sports subscription can also follow the game through Sky’s digital services. Those without a subscription can access coverage through NOW with a Sports Membership. Viewers outside the UK will need to consult their local Premier League broadcaster, as rights vary by territory.

Chelsea Team News Ahead of Fulham

Alonso approaches his competitive Premier League debut with close to a full squad available.

Players who returned later following the World Cup are available for selection, while Danny Welbeck is expected to be fit enough to feature. That leaves Alonso with considerable choice as he shapes his first competitive Chelsea starting XI.

One guaranteed absentee is Wesley Fofana. The centre back must serve a two match suspension following his second red card of last season.

His absence creates an immediate defensive decision for Alonso, particularly after Chelsea used a back three during their final pre season victory over Real Sociedad.

Marco Palestra has also strengthened his case during pre season and is pushing for a starting place. The Italian is expected to compete for one of the wing back roles, an area that could prove significant against Fulham.

Photo: IMAGO

Selection Decisions Put Alonso in Focus

Attention will naturally fall on how Alonso arranges Chelsea’s attacking talent.

Reece James and Enzo Fernandez are among the important selection considerations, while Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro are all competing to start in attack.

This opening fixture provides the first competitive evidence of how Alonso wants Chelsea to function. Pre season can establish principles and combinations. Premier League football at Craven Cottage brings a different examination, with points immediately at stake and little room for uncertainty.

Chelsea’s starting line up should be confirmed approximately one hour before kick off, giving supporters their first clear indication of Alonso’s preferred structure.

Fulham Missing Andersen for Chelsea Clash

Fulham have a significant absence of their own, with Joachim Andersen suspended for the derby.

John Brooks will referee the match, with Darren England appointed to VAR duty.

Recent history at Craven Cottage provides Chelsea with encouragement. The Blues have won six of their last eight Premier League visits to Fulham, a record that underlines their success in this particular west London fixture.

Chelsea have also won 20 of their 34 opening weekend matches in the Premier League. Their most recent victory on the first weekend of a league season came against Everton in 2022.

Craven Cottage Offers Immediate Chelsea Test

Those numbers provide useful context. Alonso’s attention will be firmly on establishing his own Chelsea side and setting standards from the opening evening.

A derby away from home offers an immediate examination of organisation, selection and temperament. With Fofana unavailable and several attacking players pushing for inclusion, Alonso has meaningful decisions to make before his first Premier League team sheet is submitted.

For Chelsea, Fulham represents the beginning of a new competitive chapter. For Fulham, it offers the opportunity to challenge their neighbours at Craven Cottage under the lights.

With live Sky Sports coverage, an 8pm kick off and Alonso beginning his Premier League tenure, this west London derby carries plenty of intrigue before a ball has been kicked.

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