Alan Shearer has predicted that Chelsea will beat Fulham in their opening Premier League match on Monday, August 24. The former Newcastle United striker said Chelsea will have a decent season while Fulham will struggle under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Shearer’s Prediction
Shearer, quoted by the Metro, said, “I’m going to go away win. I think Chelsea will have a decent season. Fulham, I think, will struggle. It’s a big ask for Arbeloa to come in and take over.” The former striker’s comments come ahead of the first gameweek clash between the Blues and the Cottagers.
New Managers and Their Challenges
Both clubs have new managers who were former teammates at Spain, Liverpool and Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso, who started the last season as Real Madrid manager and was sacked in January, has taken charge of Chelsea. Alvaro Arbeloa, who led Los Blancos after Alonso’s dismissal and left in the summer on mutual consent, is now at Craven Cottage. The two managers face a steep task: Chelsea finished 10th last season, while Fulham finished 11th.
Chelsea’s Squad Puzzle
Paul Merson has voiced concerns about how Alonso will deploy the trio of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers. Chelsea splashed £117 million for Rogers from Aston Villa. Merson warned that the three players “all want to come and get the ball,” and suggested a back-three might be needed to give each a role. He added that if Alonso can make the trio work, Chelsea could finish the season strongly, though he doubts they will reach 85-86 points.
Chelsea’s summer transfer window saw a number of signings: Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha, Pep Chavarria, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson, Dastan Satpayev and Denner. The squad will need to balance the new talents with the existing core.
Fulham’s Outlook
Under Arbeloa, Fulham will face a tough start. The Cottagers will host their local rivals at Craven Cottage on Monday night, and the match will test the new manager’s ability to galvanise a squad that finished just outside the top half last season. Shearer’s prediction suggests that Fulham will find the early part of the campaign challenging.
The first game of the Premier League season will therefore be a key moment for both clubs: Chelsea looking to confirm a solid start and Fulham hoping to defy expectations under Arbeloa.
