Xabi Alonso's Chelsea will face Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham in the Premier League's opening round at Craven Cottage. This match pits two former teammates and close friends against each other as rival managers. Alonso and Arbeloa played extensively together for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Spain national team, winning the European Championship twice and the World Cup. Their careers have mirrored each other, including both being sacked as managers by Real Madrid last season, with Arbeloa replacing Alonso. Alonso, who previously led Bayer Leverkusen to a German league and cup double, now manages Chelsea. Arbeloa, after coaching Real Madrid Castilla, took over Fulham in July. The upcoming fixture marks their first encounter as opposing managers, highlighting their intertwined football journeys and contrasting coaching philosophies.