Chelsea’s team for tonight’s game looked like it would be pretty straightforard – but instead it’s remarkably different.
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We sat down for the Chelsea Fulham game must after kick off, and were very surprised by what we saw. The lineup for this game seemed to pick itself, given Xabi Alonso’s selection a week ago in our final friendly. But right away we noticed Malo Gusto is playing. Reece James was also playing, but in midfield. We had thought that was possible, but only with Romeo Lavia not playing. Lavia was out there too – the man missing was Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea face Fulham without two key players
The only reason to leave the Ecuador star out is injury, although reports coming out since the teams were announced assure everyone that it’s just a precaution and not anything serious.
Also notable was Gusto playing at right wing back instead of Pedro Neto, and Hato playing at left wing back ahead of Marco Palestra. The Italian looks certain to be a starter for this team, either on the right or left, and he’s got a small injury too, according to Alonso. They sound like they could be ready to play at the weekend, if not in Thursday’s game.
Alonso says Caicedo and Palestra had setbacks during the week and he did not want to risk them for #CFC tonight
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) August 24, 2026
In other news…
This was a very different team to the one we were expecting, which we outlined here.
Several players who are wanted by other teams look increasingly likely to stay at Chelsea as the Blues stick to their asking prices.
Aston Villa are closing in on Nicolas Jackson, who is their obvious replacement for Ollie Watkins, who is close to a Saudi move.
