Chelsea currently boast of a perfect record under Maurizio Sarri with four wins out of four while Fulham have made a mixed start to the season.
Sarri’s new signings have paid the dividends. Both Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have hit the ground running but Alvaro Morata’s goal drought has continued. Meanwhile, Pedro has resurrected his career at Stamford Bridge.
The Cottagers, on the other hand, made the headlines when they signed Jean Michael Seri and Andre Schurrle in the summer transfer window. The new signings have combined well with the likes of Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic and their overall game has looked encouraging.
Let us assemble a combined line-up of the two clubs based on their performances in the Premier League so far.
Marcus Bettinelli (GK)
The Italian-born English goalkeeper was impressive against Burnley and made some key saves. He has been confident while handling crosses and has played as a sweeper at times.
Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn’t really proven his worth and has been pretty average when called into action.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The Spaniard has looked solid and composed at the back and hasn’t been reluctant to join the attack. His decision-making is admirable and the quality of his deliveries into the box has been quite impressive.
Although Timothy Fosu-Mensah has been decent in terms of both attack and defence, the Spaniard has been somewhat better.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
The German has grown in confidence with more game time and has covered David Luiz’s mistakes to some extent. He has looked decent with his positioning and has been good with his blocks.
Calum Chambers has been sloppy at the back and hasn’t looked comfortable at all.
Maxime Le Marchand (CB)
The Frenchman was impressive with his strong tackles and blocks against Tottenham Hotspur. He has been better than David Luiz, who has had a poor season so far.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
The Spaniard has arguably been the best performer for Chelsea and has looked more like an attacking midfielder. He has discharged his defensive duties quite well and has been devastating up front. His passing and finishing have been as good as any other midfielder in the final third.
N’Golo Kante (CDM)
One of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world, Kante has been used as a No.8 by new manager Sarri, allowing the Frenchman with greater freedom to go forward. He has been energetic and has caused problems for the opposition while bursting forward with pace.
Jean Michael Seri (LAM)
The new signing has already exceeded all expectations this season. The Ivorian has provided an edge to Fulham’s attack with his remarkable vision and has kept the ball ticking in the midfield with his impressive range of passing. He has a goal and an assist to his name.
Tom Cairney (RAM)
Fulham’s captain has hit the ground running this season and has continued to work wonders for the team in the playmaker’s role. He provided an assist for Aleksandr Mitrovic against Burnley with a delightful chip ball to the back post.
Mateo Kovacic has been good for Chelsea with his tackles and interceptions but he needs to sharpen his attacking instincts.
Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard has resurrected his Chelsea career under Maurizio Sarri. The former Barcelona man already has 3 goals to his name and has been at the right place at the right time.
Eden Hazard (LW)
The Belgian probably can’t be excluded from any line-up in the world. He has been Chelsea’s talisman up front and changed the game after coming on as a substitute against Arsenal. Hazard already has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name.
Andre Schurrle has been good as well and has gotten his name on the scoresheet twice but that is not enough to oust Hazard from the line-up.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST)
The towering Serbian has posed a constant threat to the opposition in the penalty area with his heading ability. He scored twice via headers against Burnley and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 4 goals.
Alvaro Morata’s poor run of form at Stamford Bridge has continued and the Spaniard has failed to have any significant impact in the final third.
