With injuries still ravaging the first team and new arrival Joao Felix likely not ready to start it could be time for David Datro Fofana to play a starring role. See Last Word on Football’s Chelsea predicted lineup for the West London derby with Fulham.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Fulham on January 12
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Injuries aside there are some clear stalwarts in the team. Thiago Silva, Marc Cucurella, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Cesar Azpilicueta are almost guaranteed to line out in defence. Denis Zakaria has broken into the midfield as part of a double-pivot setup, usually alongside Jorginho.
Read More: 17-Year Streak Ending: Fulham vs Chelsea Prediction and Best Odds for January 12
The attacking four tend to contain Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, as well as the injured Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic.
Chelsea Injuries to Consider
The Blues have an injury list a mile long. Sterling, Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Reece James, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Wesley Fofana are all unavailable for this match.
Newcomer Joao Felix isn’t injured, but it’s likely a little bit too soon for the forward to receive his first Premier League start. Felix is training with the first team, however, showing signs of preparedness for when the manager gives the thumbs up.
Chelsea Recent Form and Tactics
After operating in variants of a 3-4-3 early on, Graham Potter has adopted a 4-2-3-1 in recent weeks. While that change is likely due to injuries, he still doesn’t have the personnel to return to a back three just yet.
With just one win in the Premier League since October 17, it doesn’t seem to matter what setup is used, results aren’t going their way regardless.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
It is expected that Potter will continue utilising the 4-2-3-1 with this lineup:
- GK – Kepa Arrizabalaga
- LB – Marc Cucurella
- CB – Thiago Silva
- CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
- RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
- DM – Mateo Kovacic
- DM – Denis Zakaria
- AM – Mason Mount
- AM – Kai Havertz
- AM – Hakim Ziyech
- ST – David Datro Fofana
After impressing in a substitute appearance in the FA Cup, Fofana should get his shot to lead the line with Havetz slipping into a more natural role tucking in behind the striker.
