Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brighton: Mykhailo Mudryk starts, Kai Havertz benched in 4-3-3

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea takes on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing midweek to Real Madrid in the UCL quarter finals and last weekend to Wolves in the Premier League.

Brighton sits seventh in the league table, in contention to secure European football for next season. A top four finish is no longer a realistic aim as Chelsea remains 17 points adrift of fourth placed Manchester United.

Lampard is still figuring out the most productive formation as he has used a back four and a back three in two games in charge. The Seagulls present a tricky challenge and CFC will be hoping that Lampard can put an end to the five match winless run.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brighton

Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been used in two games and he hasn’t offered much assurance between the sticks. Lampard could finally call Edouard Mendy to the lineup.

Right back: Reece James

Reece James had an interesting battle with Vinicius Jr during the midweek clash and will be coming into this game with his head held high as he got the better of the Brazilian on several occasions.

Centre back: Wesley Fofana

With Kalidou Koulibaly limping off against Madrid, Lampard will likely deploy Wesley Fofana over Benoit Badiashile. Koulibaly could also be a doubt for the second leg and this Brighton game will serve as a good opportunity to play Fofana alongside Thiago Silva, which could be the eventual centre back pairing for the Real Madrid game at Stamford Bridge.

Centre back: Thiago Silva

Silva was instrumental in the first leg of the quarterfinal, making a goal line clearance and marshalling the defence. He is a defender that will be crucial to Lampard’s Chelsea and can be a guiding light during the difficult times.

Left back: Marc Cucurella

With Ben Chilwell set to miss the second leg due to the red card suspension, it would be ideal for Marc Cucurella to start alongside Silva, Fofana and James in the defence as they are expected to be the backline against the Los Blancos in the second leg.

Central midfield: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez didn’t have the best of games against Real Madrid but still continues to be one of the best players on the pitch. N’Golo Kante is likely to be rested as he played 75 minutes against Real, This means, Fernandez will have a greater responsibility of winning the ball back and contributing defensively.

Central midfield: Mason Mount

Mason Mount came off the bench against Real but should in contention to start. The Englishman will be the ball carrier and will try to get into areas from where Chelsea can conjure up goalscoring chances. He has had a turbulent season but under Lampard, a revival could be on the cards.

Central midfield: Mateo Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic and Fernandez have been playing regularly together and have complemented each other well in most games. With Mount playing in the midfield and subsequently contributing in the attack, Kovacic will have to stick to his position and help out Fernandez.

Right wing: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling was anonymous against Madrid but Lampard will continue to back the 28 year old. Sterling and James can form a powerful partnership that can trouble the Brighton defence.

Striker: Joao Felix

The idea behind playing Joao Felix up top is to have a fluid attack with, Felix and Sterling changing positions from time to time. KaI Havertz has been underwhelming in front of the goal so it is worth trying a new combination up front.

Left wing: Mykhailo Mudryk

Mykahilo Mudryk was wanted by Lampard when he was at Everton but the Toffees couldn’t get a deal done and soon were priced out as Chelsea and Arsenal entered the race. Now, Lampard has the chance to test Mudryk at Chelsea and even though the Ukrainian is still adapting to the Premier League, he has shown flashes of his ability. He now needs to gain confidence and get regular playing time.

Will Chelsea manage to win three points against Brighton?