Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers expected to start for Chelsea at Craven Cottage on August 25, 2026

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are expected to start for Chelsea against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the penultimate match of the first gameweek of the 2026-27 Premier League season on August 25, 2026. Yes, both are expected to start tonight.

Fulham have parted ways with Marco Silva after five years, with Alvaro Arbeloa set to take charge in his league debut. Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new head coach under BlueCo ownership, following a season that saw two head coaches and one interim manager and ended with a 10th-place finish. Alonso has reaffirmed that players who returned late from the World Cup will still be eligible for consideration despite a short pre-season.

Alonso is anticipated to field Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers together in a competitive match for the first time when Chelsea open their first Premier League game against Fulham. The pair are expected to lead the Blues' attacking lineup as Alonso assesses how the two forwards will combine in live competition.

Both players started against Sociedad in Chelsea’s recent match, with Rogers scoring his debut goal for the club. Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million.

The club paid a British record amount for Morgan Rogers with the stated aim of supporting Cole Palmer in offensive midfield; the signing is presented as a boost to the No. 10 after a season described as disappointing and plagued by exhaustion and injury. Palmer endured a disappointing campaign last term and will be hoping to recover form as he seeks to help the club challenge for silverware and a top-four finish to secure a Champions League spot.

Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 am IST on August 25, 2026.