Chelsea Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Seek Response as Fulham Clash Looms

Midfield Reinforcements Return for Crucial West London Derby

Chelsea head to Craven Cottage on Sunday for a Premier League encounter with Fulham that now carries added significance. After a week of underwhelming performances and growing scrutiny, Enzo Maresca will welcome back Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez to his starting line-up – a potential turning point in Chelsea’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Both midfielders were conspicuously absent from Thursday’s humbling 2-1 defeat to Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. While Maresca opted to rest key players, the decision backfired, with Chelsea exiting to a chorus of boos at Stamford Bridge, despite entering the tie with a 3-0 cushion from the first leg.

Squad Rotation Sparks Reaction After Legia Collapse

The fallout from the midweek loss has been sharp. Having already been held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Ipswich Town — a side teetering on the edge of relegation — Chelsea’s European adventure ended in farcical fashion. The manager’s choice to name a relatively strong XI against Legia, while also resting notable names, has only added to the confusion surrounding the club’s direction.

Chelsea v Legia Warsaw Europa Conference League 17/04/2025. Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca is dejected during the Europa Conference League match between Chelsea and Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 17 April 2025. London Stamford Bridge Greater London England Editorial use only , Copyright: xPaulxPhelanx PSI-21884-0027

Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were omitted entirely, while Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke featured only from the bench. These decisions suggest a reshuffle is imminent, especially with Jadon Sancho’s recent upturn in form – four goal involvements in three matches – not guaranteed to secure him a starting berth.

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson were both withdrawn early in Thursday’s defeat, an indication they will retain their places against Fulham. “We were flat, and that’s on me. But we’ll respond,” Maresca is understood to have told the dressing room following the Warsaw result.

Injury Updates and Squad Availability

Encouragingly for Chelsea, Romeo Lavia has returned to full training and could feature if required. The Belgian has endured a frustrating start to life at Stamford Bridge but could now be a key figure in the final stretch of the season.

Longer-term absentees Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu remain sidelined, as does promising youngster Omari Kellyman. Mykhailo Mudryk continues to be unavailable for selection due to a persistent issue.

Maresca will be hoping the reintroduction of Caicedo and Fernandez stabilises a midfield that has lacked intensity in recent weeks. Craven Cottage has been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea in the past, but Fulham will look to capitalise on their rivals’ inconsistency and discontent.

Predicted Line-Up and Key Kick-Off Details

Expected Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Injured: Fofana, Guiu, KellymanUnavailable: MudrykTime and Date: 2pm BST, Sunday 20 April 2025Venue: Craven Cottage, London

With Champions League football still within reach, Chelsea must find their rhythm fast. Victory against Fulham won’t solve every problem, but it might just steady the ship.