Does Alonso make Chelsea genuine challengers?

Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins. Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital. 00:00 - Intro 03:50 - Fulham v Chelsea preview 05:30 - Who's in Chelsea's best XI? 09:00 - Will Enzo play against Fulham? 11:30 - Should Rogers start? 19:35 - Transfer latest 25:00 - Where should Mudryk go? 29:15 - Is Pedro Neto worth £100m? 33:30 - Quickfire season predictions 40:55 - Todd Boehly out? 45:35 - Cobham Next Gen Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Bluesky: @socobhampod Join our FPL league! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/lea... Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. Thumbnail: Matt King/Getty Images / Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images Image credits: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Jasper Wax/Getty Images Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images #cfc #chelsea #chelseafc #premierleague #football