Our top-flight campaign begins a stone’s throw away from Stamford Bridge, with Alonso’s first competitive game as Chelsea manager taking place at Craven Cottage, the home of our west London neighbours.

The Spaniard has named a starting XI that includes Robert Sanchez, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, but the absence of Palestra and Caicedo is noteworthy.

Alonso faced the media pre-game and was asked why the duo missed out. He replied: ‘They had minor setbacks during the week, so they were not fit to play tonight. New faces debut for us, Morgan and Max, and they are going to play important roles through the year.’

After a pre-season campaign that saw matches played in Australia and Asia, in addition to a friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, Alonso gets the chance to oversee a game which has points at stake.

And the new Blues manager is looking forward to the contest. He said: 'Everyone is excited in the building and in the team. It’s great that after a long pre-season we are where we want to be. First Premier League game and I’m really happy to be involved.

'It’s going to be emotional for everyone, given it’s our first game. It’s a derby and the excitement of the crowd will be there. So we will need to manage the game.'