Predicted Chelsea XI to face Brighton: Moises Caicedo decision and four Xabi Alonso changes
It’s been a quick turnaround for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea side as they take on Brighton on Sunday, their third game in six days. The Blues have won both of their first two games.
A 3-2 win at Fulham was followed by a return to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, resulting in a 2-0 win for the Blues. Now, Chelsea face their toughest test of the season so far, a home clash against Brighton.
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Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro could all face their old side on Sunday, with Brighton in action against Norwegian side Tromso in the week. Chelsea will be expected to secure a win.
Enzo Fernandez is likely to remain absent on Sunday, having missed the Luton clash. Reports in his home country claim Fernandez asked not to be included, but the chances are, he will be missing on Sunday too.
Chelsea team news going into Brighton clash
Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Xabi Alonso confirmed that Cole Palmer and Reece James have come through the first two games unscathed. He believes they should be good to go against Brighton.
Levi Colwill was missing from the win over Luton, while Moises Caicedo has missed the opening two matches. Alonso says both players, and Geovany Quenda, will be good to go against Brighton.
Indeed, Caicedo has returned to training today, and while that should make him available on Sunday, it is unclear if he will be fit enough to start. Perhaps he does start, but is taken off early by the manager.
Four changes as Xabi Alonso makes some key decisions
Chelsea have not announced the signing of Emi Martinez in time for the 2022 World Cup winner to be involved against the Seagulls. The chances are, given that Penders played last, Robert Sanchez will start.
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By the time Martinez does sign on, it could be that Sanchez is ostracised from the squad. Chelsea want to keep Penders’ path into the senior side clear. There are decisions to be made at left-back and in midfield.
If Caicedo is fit, he is likely to start alongside Reece James. If not, it is a clear choice between Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco – the latter starring against Luton. At left-back, Pep Chavarria impressed on Thursday.
We believe Alonso will make four changes. In come Sanchez, Caicedo, Colwill and Joao Pedro for Penders, Barco, Estevao and Danny Welbeck. Wesley Fofana is back, but Josh Acheampong should retain his place.
Chelsea predicted XI v Brighton: Robert Sanchez; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill; Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Pep Chavarria; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro.
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