Confirmed Chelsea XI v Brighton: Seven changes as Martinez starts, Fernandez and Sanchez axed
Xabi Alonso has named his starting line-up as he faces his toughest test as Chelsea manager yet, a clash against Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The gaffer has made six changes, but there’s more.
Chelsea come into the game having won both of their matches against Fulham and Luton under the new gaffer. Five goals scored, two conceded and one clean sheet secured, but now they take on Brighton.
A GOALKEEPER SIGNS! What are your first thoughts on Chelsea signing Emi Martinez? 🥳
Only £7.5m!
The Seagulls finished above Chelsea last season, qualifying for Europe. That qualification saw them play on Thursday night, like Chelsea. Now, the two sides do battle at Stamford Bridge at 2pm on Sunday.
It will see Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro face their former side, but for Robert Sanchez, it looks as if the Spanish goalkeeper will miss the clash. It comes after Alonso told him to find a new club.
Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez left out by Xabi Alonso
It was widely expected that Fernandez would be left on the sidelines for the clash between Chelsea and Brighton, with the World Cup winner pushing for a move to Man City. Talks are ongoing ahead of a move.
Then there is Sanchez. On Sunday morning, Chelsea announced the signing of Emi Martinez from Aston Villa. That arrival has left Alonso with no choice but to tell Sanchez he needs to leave before the deadline.
Despite only being confirmed on Sunday morning, Martinez starts in goal for Chelsea. It sees Mike Penders drops to the bench, with Sanchez not involved against his old club on Sunday afternoon.
Seven changes made by Alonso to take on Brighton
Alonso used a 4-2-3-1 system against Luton, but has reverted to a back three to take on Brighton. That sees Colwill come back into the defence with newbie Maxence Lacroix and the returning Wesley Fofana.
Pedro Neto, Jorrel Hato and Romeo Lavia return to the starting XI, in what is a strange-looking midfield that could mean a midfield role for Malo Gusto. Reece James looks like he has been given a rest.
CONFIRMED XI: Seven changes as Martinez starts against Brighton!
Pep Chavarria impressed against Luton, but Hato has come back in. Unsurprisingly, the front three stays the same – Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro. Wesley Fofana starts again after his suspension.
Seven changes made by Alonso to face Brighton, then. In come Martinez, Colwill, Fofana, Neto, Lavia, Hato and Pedro to start. Out go Penders, Acheampong, Chavarria, James, Barco, Estevao and Welbeck.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
