Chelsea’s predicted lineup vs Fulham: Maresca’s men regroup after European setback | OneFootball

After a disappointing loss on Thursday in the UEFA Conference League quarterfinal second leg to Legia Warsaw, Chelsea shift their focus back to the Premier League. On Sunday, they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage. The last time these two teams faced each other, the Blues were beaten by their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

With their form in the gutter, not many players are going to offer a chance to change their fortunes. A win would take them just two points behind Newcastle United, who currently sit third in the table. However, a loss would make their Champions League qualification hopes even more difficult.

Chelsea predicted lineup in the Premier League vs Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez

The Spaniard is not a top goalkeeper. His deputy, Filip Jørgensen, did not have a good outing on Thursday. Even if he had, Enzo Maresca would still choose Sánchez, even though he can single-handedly ruin the game for his side.

Right-Back: Trevoh Chalobah

The most logical pick for right-back should be either Malo Gusto or Reece James. But since both started in the Conference League and Maresca insists on playing someone out of position, Chalobah starting at right-back seems the likely choice.

Centre-Back: Tosin Adarabioyo

The former Fulham player had an awful 45 minutes against Legia. However, since Badiashile played the full 90, Adarabioyo could be handed another start.

Centre-Back: Levi Colwill

The academy graduate also had an awful day against Ipswich Town much like his teammates that day as Chelsea failed to win their last game at Stamford Bridge. Still, he remains a first-choice option in the league.

Left-Back: Marc Cucurella

The Spaniard played less than an hour against Legia. Since January, he has been one of the few players who has found the back of the net, something that says a lot about the state of Chelsea under Maresca. He’s one player who has done well despite the manager’s tactics.

Central Defensive Midfield: Moisés Caicedo

One of the few players who have been consistent for the Blues since the beginning of the season. He will need to be at the top of his game if they are to get anything against Fulham.

Central Defensive Midfield: Enzo Fernández

The Argentine was not in the squad on Thursday. Like Caicedo, he too had a complete off day recently. The rest should provide him with the freshness needed to help his team, as he is expected to start again.

Right Attacking Midfield: Noni Madueke

The winger is among the recent scorers for the side, even though his form, like most of his teammates in attack, is nowhere near good enough. He was a second-half substitute against Legia and should feature from the start.

Central Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer

Palmer’s run without a goal has now reached 13 games. He was the only scorer for Chelsea against Fulham the last time they met. He had a poor 57 minutes against Legia; however, he should start on Sunday.

Left Attacking Midfield: Jadon Sancho

The on-loan Manchester United winger has three assists and a goal in his last three matches. With that kind of contribution, when others can’t even offer the basics, he is expected to start.

Centre Forward: Nicolas Jackson

The forward had another awful game against Legia, taken off at half-time. He hasn’t scored a goal in four months. But such is Chelsea’s situation that he should keep his place.