Joao Felix to make first Chelsea start in Fulham trip

Joao Felix was thrown straight into the Chelsea starting XI for the Premier League clash at Fulham on Thursday.

The Portugal international sealed a loan move until the end of the season from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and head coach Graham Potter wasted no time in handing him his first start.

Potter opted for Joao Felix in attack with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount for the match at Craven Cottage, making four changes from the team that was thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss also brought in Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and another loan signing in Denis Zakaria, leaving out Bashir Humphreys, Conor Gallagher, Jorginho and Hakim Ziyech.

Chelsea went into the local derby 10th in the Premier League, 10 points off the top four and three behind Fulham, albeit having played a game fewer.