Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Fulham as Cole Palmer replacement picked

Enzo Maresca will have some big decisions to make when picking his Chelsea side to face local rivals Fulham. The west Londoners will need to find a solution without Cole Palmer, who is still recovering from a groin injury. He will be looking to return to fitness over the international break after being left out of the England squad that was announced on Friday.

It means Chelsea will be missing their star man in midfield for the second week in a row. They did just fine against West Ham with Joao Pedro playing in the creative role behind the lone striker. It remains to be seen if Maresca will adopt the same solution or whether he will try something different against Fulham.

Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea could line up in today's match...

Goalkeeper - Sanchez

Robert Sanchez has started in both of Chelsea's opening league fixtures and there is nothing to suggest that will change against Fulham. He made a number of high-profile mistakes last season but has fared better this time around, conceding just once.

The former Brighton stopper will be hoping for his second clean sheet of the campaign against Fulham, who have scored twice in as many matches.

Defence - James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella

There is a choice to be made at right-back with Reece James and Malo Gusto both pushing to start. In the middle, it seems likely that Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah will rekindle their partnership with Josh Acheampong among the substitutes.

Marc Cucurella, who is said to be closing in on a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, should retain his usual spot on the left.

Midfield - Caicedo, Fernandez, Pedro

Chelsea's midfield will essentially pick itself with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez almost guaranteed to start. Further forward, it seems Pedro could again replace Palmer as the main creative outlet.

The change worked wonders at West Ham and there is no reason to deviate from a winning formula against Fulham.

Attack - Neto, Gittens, Delap

Pedro Neto could be deployed on the right flank to help Chelsea deal with the blistering pace of Fulham danger man Antonee Robinson. That would allow Jamie Gittens to play on the left and make amends for his poor debut against Crystal Palace.

Up front, the obvious choice would be Liam Delap with Nicolas Jackson set to be left out of the squad altogether.

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Fulham (4-2-3-1) - Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Gittens; Delap.