It has been a busy week for Chelsea, but can they continue their perfect start to the season? Xabi Alonso's side have so far beaten Fulham 3-2 and then Luton Town 2-0 in the EFL Cup, but a third fixture in just seven days is coming right up.
Brighton & Hove Albion have won each of their last four meetings with Chelsea, a streak Alonso is desperate to bring to an end, so here is the lineup he has selected.
Chelsea's confirmed lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Emi Martínez
- Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix & Levi Colwill.
- Pedro Neto, Malo Gusto, Roméo Lavia & Jorrel Hato.
- Cole Palmer, João Pedro & Morgan Rogers.
Despite only signing on Saturday, Emi Martínez is thrown straight in for his Chelsea debut. The Argentine World Cup winner has arrived from Aston Villa for £7.5 million. Perhaps Robert Sánchez's chaotic display at Craven Cottage on Monday night sped up the decision to replace him.
Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana has come into defence. The Frenchman was suspended for the Premier League season opener, having been sent off on the final day of last season at the Stadium of Light. Fofana comes into the back three, with Josh Acheampong dropping out.
Elsewhere, despite being strong linked with a move away, Pedro Neto comes into the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see how he is deployed by Alonso. The lineup suggests that he will be at right-wing-back, with Malo Gusto moving inside to partner Roméo Lavia in midfield. We shall see. Jorrel Hato once again gets the nod over new recruits Pep Chavarría and Valentín Barco at left-wing-back.
The front three meantime, Alosno will not want to change, Cole Palmer, João Pedro and new signing Morgan Rogers all scored on the banks of the River Thames on Monday, and might just be the most dangerous attacking trio the Premier League has to offer.
Pedro and Levi Colwill, as well as substitutes Sánchez Moisés Caicedo, Valentín Barco and Danny Welbeck, are up against their former club.
Brighton & Hove Albion's confirmed lineup vs Chelsea
- Bart Verbruggen
Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Lewis Dunk, Luka Vušković & Olivier Boscagli.
- Malick Yalcouyé, Pascal Groß & Mats Wieffer.
- Diego Gómez, Charalampos Kostoulas & Maxim De Cuyper.
If Chelsea fans think they've had a productive week, well Brighton's may have been even better. Fabian Hürzeler's team have enjoyed a pair of 4-0 victories, demolishing Aston Villa in their Premier League opener a week ago. Then, on Thursday, the Seagulls booked their spot in the Conference League league phase by swatting aside Tromsø in Sussex.
Which Chelsea players are currently injured?
Moisés Caicedo is yet to feature this season due to a slight injury, but is on the bench, which is a positive for Alonso, especially with a trip to champions Arsenal coming up next Sunday. Reece James has surprisingly been dropped to the bench; it remains to be seen if that is a fitness decision. Lastly, there is no sign of Enzo Fernández, as he seeks to force through a move to Manchester City.
What time does Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion kick off?
Chelsea's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 2pm local time in the UK. This is 9am on the east coast of the United States and an early start for those on the west coast, as it is a 6am start.
How can I watch Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League?
In the UK & Ireland, this fixture is live on Sky Sports Main Event. In the United States, fans can watch the game on NBCSN. Other broadcasters around the world include Fubo Sports Network in Canada, Stan Sport in Australia and SuperSport MaXimo 2 in Afria.
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