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Chelsea team news vs Fulham: Predicted line up – Sarri faces Kepa decision, Hazard rested
MAURIZIO SARRI is faced with a key decision regarding his goalkeepers ahead of Chelsea's clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday (2.05pm).
Chelsea: Kepa will play in one of the two next matches says Sarri
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri must decide whether to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga when the Blues return to Premier League action against Fulham.
The Spanish stopper dropped to the bench last time out against Tottenham after his antics in the Carabao Cup final where he refused to be substituted.
Willy Caballero, who was left humiliated on the touchline during the bizarre incident at Wembley, started against Spurs and kept a surprise clean sheet.
Now Sarri must decide which of his two stoppers to field against Fulham for the west London derby.
The Italian claimed that Kepa is still his first-choice goalkeeper despite the high-profile bust-up, although it will be harsh on Caballero to drop out.
Meanwhile, the Blues have very few other selection issues with just Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater injured.
Sarri could be tempted to rest a number of his first-team players with a Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev on the horizon.
Eden Hazard is one of the leading stars who could drop out, having looked jaded against Spurs on Wednesday.
Fulham are in a dismal run of form with eight defeats in nine matches, leading the Cottagers to dismiss Claudio Ranieri.
Callum Hudson-Odoi will hope for a rare start if Hazard is given the afternoon off, although Pedro and Willian are also in contention.
Gonzalo Higuain should lead the line while N’Golo Kante and Jorginho will be joined by one of Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield.
Marcos Alonso faces competition from Emerson Palmieri at left-back but the rest of the defence will almost certainly remain unchanged.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Fulham – Premier League
(4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Palmieri; Jorginho, Kante, Barkley; Willian, Hazard, Higuain