Fulham vs Chelsea – Team News: Enzo Maresca surprises everyone with captain decision | OneFootball

Chelsea face Fulham at Craven Cottage in just over an hour, and the teams are in!

After we went ballistic because of Enzo Maresca’s team selection in midweek, we were expecting this one to be a lot more agreeable. At this stage in the season, we know who his favourites are, we know who is fit and fresh and who is going to be rested.

In goal, we’ve got Robert Sanchez, of course. Given the pressure on him from last week’s game where he kicked long under pressure and was then criticised for it, we can only imagine how scrambled his brain will be today. What’s the over / under on shanked kicks to opposition players in our half?

The only real surprise in the team comes at right back, where Reece James is risked with a second start in a row. We’re sure this wouldn’t happen, which is why we were so surprised to see him play on Thursday. We’re delighted he’s in there today – but we all know his physical limitations, and the move to play him against Legia is even more curious now.

Apart from him, it’s the exact team you’d expect. Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill form the same centre back partnership that got a draw against Fulham, Marc Cucurella starts at left back. The Enzo – Caicedo partnership is back in midfield, with the out of form Cole Palmer playing ahead of them.

Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto, our most direct and dangerous wingers, are out wide, while Nicolas Jackson leads the line. The bench is a little odd – there’s no Christopher Nkunku, with Tyrique George essentially the only striker sub, and Jadon Sancho the only other attacker of any description on there.

Here are the full team line-ups for Fulham vs Chelsea (kick off at 14:00 GMT)

CHELSEA:

Chelsea’s team to play Fulham.