Chelsea impressed last weekend when they cruised to victory over West Ham, and Enzo Maresca will be keen for his side to build on that win when they host Brighton.
Several players staked their claims as to why they should start against the Seagulls during the Blues’ 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup, such as Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto.
Maresca therefore has a host of big calls to make ahead of this afternoon’s (Saturday) clash. Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea are likely to line up to face Brighton…
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Chelsea’s Predicted XI vs Brighton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Robert Sanchez is one of several ex-Brighton players who will be hoping to get one over his former side. The Spaniard has enjoyed a strong start to the season and will be hoping to secure back-to-back clean sheets at Stamford Bridge.
Defence: Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
Maresca has confirmed that Malo Gusto is available to face Brighton, and he looked close to full fitness when playing 45 minutes against Barrow in midweek. Tosin Adarabioyo will therefore be forced to drop to the bench after his makeshift stint in right-back last weekend, with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana now Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back partnership.
Midfield: Fernandez, Caicedo, Palmer
Despite Romeo Lavia being confirmed as available, the Belgium international will need to bide his time before breaking back into the Blues’ starting XI. Maresca is keen to commit time to ensure Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo form a top-quality partnership, and the latter will be keen to prove that Brighton were right to demand £115million for his services previously.
Forwards: Madueke, Jackson, Sancho
Nkunku bagged a hat-trick in midweek to showcase his quality in the final third, but there is still no room for the France international in the Blues’ frontline at present. Jackson’s brace against West Ham last weekend highlighted how he is improving on a weekly basis, with his pace and power causing plenty of issues.
Brighton manager Fabien Hurzeler has talked up how Jackson is the ‘very dangerous’, and his combinations with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke could cause the Seagulls a host of problems on the counter-attack if they are not careful when building out from the back.
