Chelsea aim to reduce dependence on Cole Palmer by drawing on attacking alternatives such as Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto. Palmer withdrew with a groin injury and is doubtful for the Fulham match, but Enzo Maresca has options and Chelsea thrived without Palmer against West Ham. Ruben Amorim must secure a first win to quieten criticism, with Burnley expected to exploit past weaknesses and Grimsby's example. Tactical adjustments suggested include moving to a 4-3-3 and selecting Benjamin Sesko, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in key roles, though such changes appear unlikely. Tottenham will impose heavy work demands on squad players.
Calling Chelsea Cole Palmer FC is not much of an insult. Oh no, you have one of the best attackers in the world. Oh no, you got him for a bargain price. Oh no, he won you the Club World Cup last month. Still, no side ever wants to be completely reliant on one player. Chelsea aim to depend more on the collective than the individual. They have struggled without Palmer in the past but thrived in his absence against West Ham last week.
Palmer withdrew with a groin injury during the warm-up and is a doubt to face Fulham in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off. However Enzo Maresca has options. Estevao Willian came in for Palmer against West Ham and was exceptional on the right wing. Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto were excellent. Chelsea have enough talent at their disposal to beat Fulham without Palmer.
Ruben Amorim has to end Saturday afternoon with only one thing achieved: a first victory of the season that will quieten the noise around him and Manchester United. Burnley will arrive at Old Trafford with the opposite aim and should closely study how Grimsby took Amorim's insipid men apart in Wednesday's 12-11 penalty shootout knockout in the Carabao Cup. So: now is the time for the head coach to ruthless and select an XI that has Bruno Fernandes as one of his 10s,
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