How Chelsea could line-up against Fulham with their new signings

Chelsea spent around £292 million in the 2022/23 January transfer window, following up their heavy outlay last summer.

The Blues added eight new players to their squad, prompting conversations about the Premier League’s spending power.

Many people have even asked how Chelsea have been able to splash the cash given the current Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Chelsea broke the English transfer record to sign Enzo Fernandez for £105m from Benfica.

The London club also spent massive sums to recruit Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter now has to choose from a sizeable squad. The manager has 33 players to choose from and will be unable to keep them all happy.

Speaking ahead of the game against Fulham, Potter acknowledged that he had to have some awkward conversations with his players.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion boss will face his first selection headache ahead of the SW6 derby tomorrow.

Chelsea will welcome Marco Silva’s high-flying side to Stamford Bridge, looking for three points as they sit tenth in the league.

Badiashile, signed from AS Monaco for around £30m, has already established himself in Chelsea’s defence.

He has started their last two league games impressively alongside Thiago Silva, and the pairing will likely continue ahead of summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly.

Mudryk impressed in his 35-minute cameo against Liverpool and should get more minutes against the Cottagers. Chelsea fans will want to see his injection of pace and direct running.

Felix shone in the reverse fixture against Fulham but received a red card for a nasty challenge and Chelsea lost.

He will finish his three-match punishment with this game after missing the Crystal Palace and Liverpool matches.

While Chelsea have signed Fernandez, he may not be ready for the Fulham game. Madueke has trained with the first team but will likely start from the bench.

Datro Fofana was tipped to leave the club on loan but has remained at Stamford Bridge and will be eager to make his mark.

Chelsea are working on Santos’ papers to join the club later this month. However, the 18-year-old is away with Brazil’s under-20s at the South American Youth Football Championship.

Gusto is also not at the club after returning to Lyon on loan for the rest of the season.

Chelsea predicted starting line-up vs Fulham

Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa Arrizabalaga; Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Lewis Hall; Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech.