Alonso Era Begins as Chelsea Face Fulham in Derby

Xabi Alonso takes charge of Chelsea for the first time in a West London derby at Craven Cottage.

Fulham

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NS · Premier League

Chelsea

What happened. Chelsea begin their 2026/27 Premier League season under new manager Xabi Alonso with an away match against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

• Alonso's tenure officially starts tonight, 99 days after his appointment was announced.
• Fulham's Alvaro Arbeloa makes his Premier League managerial debut against his close friend.
• Enzo Fernandez's start is uncertain amid transfer speculation.

Team news will be released at 6:45pm, with kick-off at 8pm as a new era begins for Chelsea.

In this story

FulhamChelseaXabi AlonsoE. Fernandez

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