ShareOne of the more intriguing opening round of Premier League match-ups sees a west-London derby pitch two new-look teams against each other, with some very different expectations around of how Fulham and Chelsea cope in the 2026/27 campaign.By Karl MatchettFamiliar faces, unfamiliar rolesÁlvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, as players, were teammates 262 times. A little over 19 years ago, they played exactly two minutes – plus stoppage time – of a Champions League final together. They won that small period of time 1-0, but unfortunately for them still lost the actual game 2-1 – and never played another minute of a European final alongside each other, despite reaching that stage several more times.Now, they are back in the country where they played when they did appear in the final together; then as players at Liverpool, now as managers in the Premier League. One also succeeded the other at Real Madrid, though neither would perhaps claim to have actually succeeded as head coach at the Santiago Bernabéu. The next 10 months hold very different requirements, and arguably more chances to show their qualities.Alonso and Arbeloa, the two men who led Real Madrid through last seasonRebuild and rebalanceA lot is expected from Alonso after trophies at Leverkusen, but what Chelsea have needed for years is leadership as much as tactical acumen. Alonso has been gifted an excellent attack, including new £117m signing Morgan Rogers, but setting the platform behind them will dictate how far the quality of the former Aston Villa man, Cole Palmer and João Pedro can carry the Blues. Finding a meaningful balance between defensive numbers and actual partnerships, and hordes of talent but far less consistency, is Alonso’s biggest task.As for Arbeloa, his objectives are twofold in his first “real” job: Let an exciting, youthful and rapid attacking group thrive, without losing the industry and understanding which saw Marco Silva’s team unquestionably outperform the tools at his disposal year after year. And, fight off concerns about both his unproven level as a boss and Fulham’s squad depth which might pitch them as early relegation candidates. A positive result against the man he played alongside more than any other in his glittering career would be a big step towards both.Recent formA pinch of pre-season-flavoured salt with these, but Fulham drew with Malaga and beat Stuttgart in their last warm-ups, while Chelsea saw off AC Milan and Real Sociedad either side of a second-string side drawing with the Malaysian champions.Team newsJoachim Andersen is suspended for the hosts, but new striker Gonzalo García looks likely to start and Oscar Bobb is primed for a bigger role after Harry Wilson’s departure. Wesley Fofana is suspended for Chelsea, while Jordan Henderson is out with his World Cup injury – but Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra all look set for debuts.Key playerAfter what was a dismal season last year, a lot will be expected of Cole Palmer this time out. He only ranked above 36% of attacking midfielders for chances created last year – but for shots on target and xG per 90 he’s up there in the top handful. All eyes on how he gels with Rogers.PredictionA lot of early-season uncertainty, but bench options could make the difference for the visitors: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.One of the more intriguing opening round of Premier League match-ups sees a west-London derby pitch two new-look teams against each other, with some very different expectations around of how Fulham and Chelsea cope in the 2026/27 campaign.By Karl MatchettFamiliar faces, unfamiliar rolesÁlvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, as players, were teammates 262 times. A little over 19 years ago, they played exactly two minutes – plus stoppage time – of a Champions League final together. They won that small period of time 1-0, but unfortunately for them still lost the actual game 2-1 – and never played another minute of a European final alongside each other, despite reaching that stage several more times.Now, they are back in the country where they played when they did appear in the final together; then as players at Liverpool, now as managers in the Premier League. One also succeeded the other at Real Madrid, though neither would perhaps claim to have actually succeeded as head coach at the Santiago Bernabéu. The next 10 months hold very different requirements, and arguably more chances to show their qualities.Alonso and Arbeloa, the two men who led Real Madrid through last seasonRebuild and rebalanceA lot is expected from Alonso after trophies at Leverkusen, but what Chelsea have needed for years is leadership as much as tactical acumen. Alonso has been gifted an excellent attack, including new £117m signing Morgan Rogers, but setting the platform behind them will dictate how far the quality of the former Aston Villa man, Cole Palmer and João Pedro can carry the Blues. Finding a meaningful balance between defensive numbers and actual partnerships, and hordes of talent but far less consistency, is Alonso’s biggest task.As for Arbeloa, his objectives are twofold in his first “real” job: Let an exciting, youthful and rapid attacking group thrive, without losing the industry and understanding which saw Marco Silva’s team unquestionably outperform the tools at his disposal year after year. And, fight off concerns about both his unproven level as a boss and Fulham’s squad depth which might pitch them as early relegation candidates. A positive result against the man he played alongside more than any other in his glittering career would be a big step towards both.Recent formA pinch of pre-season-flavoured salt with these, but Fulham drew with Malaga and beat Stuttgart in their last warm-ups, while Chelsea saw off AC Milan and Real Sociedad either side of a second-string side drawing with the Malaysian champions.Team newsJoachim Andersen is suspended for the hosts, but new striker Gonzalo García looks likely to start and Oscar Bobb is primed for a bigger role after Harry Wilson’s departure. Wesley Fofana is suspended for Chelsea, while Jordan Henderson is out with his World Cup injury – but Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra all look set for debuts.Key playerAfter what was a dismal season last year, a lot will be expected of Cole Palmer this time out. He only ranked above 36% of attacking midfielders for chances created last year – but for shots on target and xG per 90 he’s up there in the top handful. All eyes on how he gels with Rogers.PredictionA lot of early-season uncertainty, but bench options could make the difference for the visitors: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.