Predicted XI: One Brazilian in, one out as Rosenior’s influence starts to creep into Chelsea team | OneFootball

Chelsea take on Fulham tonight in what is a strange game slightly in limbo.

Liam Rosenior has been appointed as the new manager, but wisely decided he wanted to let Calum McFarlane stay in charge for another game rather than take responsibility himself after just a day in the job.

So while CMC gets another shot, Rosenior has already likely spoken to him, and influenced the team he might pick. As always, the medical team’s advice will play a major part too.

That makes it very hard to predict the team for tonight, as does the lack of detailed information about the injured players. But we’ve done our best.

Predicted team for Chelsea to take on Fulham

Andrey Santos in action against Burnley. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)

Robert Sanchez’s injury seemed minor and he trained yesterday, so we can only assume he’s in goal.

At right back, Reece James has played 2 and a half games of the last 3, but given he can be rested in the cup this weekend could be risked again today.

Centrally, Trevoh Chalobah will play with Wesley Fofana, assuming that the Frenchman has recovered from his illness. Marc Cucurella is also likely to return from his hamstring tweak.

Moises Caicedo should return from his suspension fresh in midfield. This is a good chance to rest Enzo Fernandez, meaning Andrey Santos can be rewarded for his good showing in the second half at the weekend with a start. Like James, Cole Palmer needs a rest, but will probably start today and then get the weekend off.

In the front line, Estevao Willian had two starts in recent games so we think he probably drops to the bench. Pedro Neto has been poor but will get another chance today, with Alejandro Garnacho on the left. Liam Delap was better off the bench than Joao Pedro was as a starter on Sunday, so we reckon he will start here.

In other news…

Chelsea’s new coach has done a brilliant first interview with the club which is enough to get anyone excited. That included big promises about playing attacking football, which we would love to see.

We’ve already predicted that Andrey Santos could be one of the big winners of Rosenior’s appointment, and the coach all but confirmed that with his answer on players he knew from the past.