Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham – Premier League London Derby Showdown

Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Chelsea and Fulham at Craven Cottage promises to be a significant one — not just for the points on offer, but for what it might reveal about the Blues’ true character under Enzo Maresca. With local pride on the line and Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Chelsea’s short trip across west London could be make or break.

After an embarrassing midweek defeat to Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final — a game that should’ve been a mere formality — the pressure is mounting on Maresca’s men. That 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge, despite a 4-1 lead from the first leg, triggered boos from a frustrated home crowd. Understandably so.

Now, they must turn their focus back to domestic matters. And there’s nothing quite like a derby to test resolve and resilience.

Chelsea in Crisis? A Reaction Required

Let’s not beat around the bush — Chelsea haven’t looked convincing for weeks. Even their victories have come with warning signs. The defensive lapses, the lack of cohesion in midfield, the missing spark in attack — all of it was laid bare in that European stumble.

So heading into the Premier League clash against Fulham, Chelsea need more than just three points. They need a performance. They need a statement.

Fulham, for their part, have been quietly impressive this season. Marco Silva’s side may not be lighting up the top four, but they’ve been solid, organised, and surprisingly dangerous in transition. The likes of Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz have stepped up, and they’ll be licking their lips at the idea of facing a Chelsea backline that’s leaked goals to both Ipswich Town and Legia in recent outings.

Let’s take a look at how Chelsea could line up on Sunday — and who needs to deliver.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Chelsea will make changes from their midweek defeat to Legia Warsaw / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

GK: Robert Sanchez

After Filip Jorgensen’s disappointing display on Thursday — gifting a penalty and doing little to redeem himself thereafter — there’s little doubt that Robert Sanchez will return between the sticks. The Spaniard has had his ups and downs, but his presence and experience should be vital in the high-pressure environment of a London derby.

RB: Malo Gusto

Reece James, still finding his feet again after injury, was oddly deployed in midfield midweek, while youngster Josh Acheampong started at right-back. That experiment didn’t really work. Malo Gusto, who came on in the second half, should reclaim his spot on the right side of defence. He’ll have his hands full with the ever-lively Alex Iwobi, but Gusto has shown he’s not afraid of a scrap.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah

With Chelsea conceding four goals across their last two games, the defensive issues are creeping back. Trevoh Chalobah is one of the more reliable figures in this backline when he’s fully fit and focused. He’ll need to be sharp, especially with Fulham’s physical frontmen causing havoc in the box.

CB: Levi Colwill

Rested midweek, Levi Colwill will be fresh and ready to face Fulham. He’ll likely be tasked with keeping tabs on Rodrigo Muniz, who scored the decisive goal in the reverse fixture and has been a menace for defenders all season. Colwill’s calmness and composure will be key in managing Fulham’s more direct moments.

LB: Marc Cucurella

Say what you like about Marc Cucurella, but the man is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal. His attacking instincts have been shining through recently, and he nearly bagged another against Legia if not for a close VAR call. Expect him to continue making those late bursts into the box — and hopefully, he times one just right.

DM: Moises Caicedo

With Andreas Pereira pulling the strings for Fulham, Chelsea will rely heavily on Moises Caicedo to disrupt the rhythm. The Ecuadorian midfielder hasn’t quite lived up to his price tag yet, but he has the engine and tenacity to boss a midfield battle when he’s on it. He’ll be central — literally and figuratively — to Chelsea’s chances of controlling this match.

DM: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez has shown flashes of brilliance recently, particularly in terms of distribution and link-up play in the final third. He’s got an eye for a pass, and Chelsea will need his creativity to break down a stubborn Fulham defence. Fernandez is also one of the few players in the squad capable of turning a game with a single moment of quality — something Maresca will be counting on.

RW: Noni Madueke

One of the brighter lights in Chelsea’s recent European campaign, Noni Madueke chipped in with important goals in the first leg against Legia. That kind of form needs to carry over to the Premier League. With his pace and flair, he can be a nightmare for defenders — but only if he stays consistent and sharp in the final third.

AM: Cole Palmer

The pressure is beginning to show on Cole Palmer. Once the shining hope of Chelsea’s attack, his form has dipped noticeably. Whether it’s confidence, fatigue, or both, he’s just not pulling the strings like he was earlier in the season. Sunday would be a good time to find that spark again. If Palmer can get going, Chelsea’s chances of grabbing a result go up exponentially.

LW: Pedro Neto

It’s been a while since Pedro Neto contributed directly to a goal — something that’ll need to change if Chelsea are to climb the table. He’s still creating chances, making clever runs, and stretching defences, but the end product has been lacking. Against Fulham, he’ll have space to exploit. The question is whether he can make it count.

ST: Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson hasn’t found the net since returning from injury, and while his movement off the ball remains sharp, his decision-making and finishing have been questionable. With Christopher Nkunku still not quite ready to reclaim a starting role, Jackson will likely lead the line again. Time to step up.

Final Thoughts: Derby Day with Everything at Stake

Chelsea’s visit to Craven Cottage on Sunday is more than just another league fixture. It’s a chance to right the wrongs of a dismal midweek showing, to regain momentum in the top-four race, and to re-establish pride in the west London hierarchy.

Fulham won’t make it easy — far from it. Silva’s side are well-drilled and up for the fight, especially in a derby. But Chelsea have the quality to win. What’s been missing lately is belief, cohesion, and that cutting edge.

If Enzo Maresca can get a reaction out of his players — particularly the likes of Palmer, Jackson, and Fernandez — then there’s still hope that this season can end on a high. Sunday is a test. And we’ll soon find out if this Chelsea side has the answers.