Things have been looking positive around Chelsea since Xabi Alonso arrived and took control of the footballing side of the club. We saw encouraging signs at Fulham and again at home against Luton, but Brighton now provide another test of the progress being made.
Chelsea could welcome Moisés Caicedo back from injury, while Marco Palestra remains unavailable. As far as I’m aware, there are no other injury concerns within the squad, meaning Alonso could make just one or two changes to the starting XI.
GK: Robert Sanchez
The player under the most pressure in the Chelsea team, and with Emi Martínez virtually through the door, this could be his final Premier League start for the club. He has been given enough opportunities in a Chelsea shirt, and the pressure is now firmly on to prove he deserves to remain the No. 1.
CB: Wesley Fofana
While Josh Acheampong impressed against Fulham, Wesley Fofana’s return from suspension should see him restored to the starting XI. With that in mind, this could be the centre-back trio Xabi Alonso relies on as his preferred partnership moving forward.
CB: Levi Colwill
He should get the nod, having emerged as the strongest option to fill the left-sided centre-back role and potentially become Jorrel Hato’s main partner throughout the season. He will be hoping for a much stronger start than he managed against Fulham.
CB: Maxence Lacroix
The Frenchman looked every bit the winger during his impressive display against Fulham. That performance showed exactly why Chelsea spent £50 million on him, and, if he can maintain that level, it could start to look like an absolute bargain.
RWB: Malo Gusto
The Frenchman will be looking to build on his impressive performance against Fulham. With Reece James moving into midfield, there is little competition for his spot beyond Pedro Neto, giving him a great opportunity to establish himself. He offers an excellent balance between defence and attack, while opposition attacks rarely found much joy down his side against Fulham.
CM: Reece James
Captain and general. Love him in the midfield pairing and hope he remains there throughout the season, providing the consistency and leadership Chelsea need in the middle of the pitch.
CM: Moises Caicedo
He is expected to return from injury and could quickly remind everyone why he is so important to this formation, providing the balance and control needed to hold everything together in midfield.
LWB: Joel Hato
I don’t think he will be Chelsea’s first-choice left-back for the entire season, but while Pep Chavarria settles into life in London, he will be the main man. Hopefully, he can step up and come of age if he continues to share the role throughout the campaign.
CAM: Morgan Rogers
A no-brainer. He starts ahead of the other attacking options in Estevao, Gittens and Quenda, with his quality currently a level above the competition. Hopefully, we get another chance to see that exciting partnership flourish.
CAM: Cole Palmer
Genuinely excited to see him back playing football. He has a wonderful ability to make the game look effortless, and with that trademark smile on his face, hopefully he can put plenty of smiles back on Chelsea fans’ faces too.
CF: Joao Pedro
Which former Brighton forward will lead the line? It feels like an obvious choice, with João Pedro offering more of a threat from the start. However, we expect Danny Welbeck to come on for the Brazilian later in the game, giving him the chance to enjoy a swansong in front of his former supporters.
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