Chelsea predicted lineup vs Fulham

After their record-setting January shopping spree, Chelsea will expect a positive start to post-window life when they host Fulham on Friday.

The Blues lost 2-1 when these sides met three weeks ago but have been splashing the cash ever since in an attempt to ensure something like that doesn’t happen again.

Here’s how Graham Potter could set up.

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – Edouard Mendy is nursing a broken finger but we may catch a glimpse of young Gabriel Slonina on the bench.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah – Chalobah was battling cramp against Liverpool but that isn’t expected to be any threat to his involvement here.

CB: Thiago Silva – The veteran Brazilian has confirmed he is closing in on another contract extension. Great news for a team in transition.

CB: Benoit Badiashile – Already an undroppable member of the team, Badiashile’s young Chelsea career has been thoroughly impressive thus far.

RM: Cesar Azpilicueta – Reece James is expected to feature in some capacity here but, after rushing him back last time out, the academy graduate might be restricted to a bench role.

CM: Carney Chukwuemeka – Injuries elsewhere will force Potter’s hand. Mateo Kovacic, Denis Zakaria and N’Golo Kante are out, so young Chukwuemeka deserves a nod.

CM: Conor Gallagher – Potter has confirmed that the club still need to complete some paperwork before Enzo Fernandez can feature, meaning it could be Gallagher’s chance to impress again.

LM: Marc Cucurella – Like James, Ben Chilwell is thought to be flirting with a return but a start could be a step too far once again.

AM: Mason Mount – Chelsea fans will hope that the new arrivals will spark Mount back into life, with Noni Madueke ready to take his place off the bench if the England international continues to struggle.

AM: Mykhailo Mudryk – His firecracker of a performance against Liverpool has fans desperate to see what Mudryk can do from the start. Here’s their chance.

ST: Kai Havertz – Another who needs to step up and match the excitement surrounding the new signings, Havertz has one game here to prove he should retain his spot ahead of Felix, whose suspension is up after this game.