Fulham lineup vs. Chelsea: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Gonzalo Garcia handed debut

Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to hand Gonzalo Garcia his Premier League debut from the start when Fulham welcome West London rivals Chelsea to Craven Cottage on Monday night.

The Cottagers' manager used his Real Madrid connections to secure summer moves for Garcia and Cesar Palacios, with both players expected to feature from the outset at centre-forward and left wing-forward, respectively.

The pressure on Garcia is immense ahead of his first outing, given the departure of last season's leading goalscorers Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, who netted 10 and nine goals respectively for the club.

The ex-Real man will aim to get up to speed promptly in the English top flight as he spearheads an attacking unit that should also feature Oscar Bobb and Joshua King.

Further back, big-money summer arrival Shea Charles is expected to be kept out of the engine room by Alex Iwobi, who recorded four goals and three assists during a productive previous campaign.

The Nigeria international's ball-carrying and passing ability remain pivotal to the home side's play, meaning he is set to partner Sander Berge in the centre of the park.

In terms of team news, the hosts boast a relatively healthy squad, with Tom Cairney serving as the only injury absentee due to a knee problem.

However, Joachim Andersen is still unavailable as he serves the final match of his three-game ban for a sending-off against Bournemouth in May.

With Andersen suspended, Jorge Cuenca is poised to partner Calvin Bassey in the heart of the defence, flanked by full-backs Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson ahead of goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Fulham possible starting lineup:

Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Bobb, King, Palacios; Garcia

> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up against Fulham