{"id":2535,"date":"2026-08-29T10:03:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T10:03:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2535"},"modified":"2026-08-29T10:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T10:03:39","slug":"three-chelsea-players-who-need-to-make-a-statement-to-xabi-alonso-vs-brighton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2535","title":{"rendered":"Three Chelsea players who need to make a statement to Xabi Alonso vs Brighton"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea are looking to continue their perfect start to the Premier League season against Brighton, with some players running out of time to make an impression on Xabi Alonso.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Blues beat Fulham 3-2 on the opening day of the season, before kicking their season off in style at Stamford Bridge with a victory over Luton Town in the EFL Cup.<\/p>\n

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It has become clear that Chelsea<\/a> are not yet done with their transfer business this season. Emi Martinez<\/a> is set to join the club, as well as potentially a new midfielder.<\/p>\n

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A GOALKEEPER SIGNS! What are your first thoughts on Chelsea signing Emi Martinez? \ud83e\udd73<\/h3>\n

Only \u00a37.5m!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Three Chelsea players under pressure to perform vs Brighton<\/h2>\n

This has put pressure on those currently at the club to make an impression on their manager, in order to not drop too far down the pecking order this season.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have named three players who are under pressure to perform when the Blues welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge<\/a> tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Mike Penders<\/h2>\n

Robert Sanchez is expected to now be out of the plans at Chelsea<\/a>, and with Martinez not yet being announced, Mike Penders<\/a> is in line to start his first Premier League game this weekend.<\/p>\n

The youngster wants to compete to be number one at Stamford Bridge this season, and will have fancied his chances up against Sanchez.<\/p>\n

Opportunities will be harder to come by with Martinez at the club, although a positive performance to back up his display against Luton will keep him in Alonso\u2019s<\/a> mind for the rest of the campaign.<\/p>\n

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Romeo Lavia<\/h2>\n

Romeo Lavia<\/a> looks really sharp in the opening stages of this season, and is making the most of the Enzo Fernandez<\/a> transfer saga which has kept him away from the starting side so far.<\/p>\n

However, his place in the side will come under more pressure with the potential incoming signing of Lamine Camara<\/a> from Monaco.<\/p>\n

Alonso is helping Lavia overcome some mental hurdles in terms of how many minutes he can play, and he will be looking to repay the faith with another strong showing.<\/p>\n

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Valentin Barco impressed tonight, but do Chelsea still need a new midfielder this summer? And if so, who?<\/h3>\n

Enzo Fernandez reportedly asked to be left out tonight\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Wesley Fofana<\/h2>\n

After missing the first two games of the season through suspension, Wesley Fofana<\/a> is available again for the Blues this weekend.<\/p>\n

He was a regular during pre-season, suggesting he will be brought straight into the starting XI against Brighton.<\/p>\n

However, with Josh Acheampong making a great impression in the early days of the season, a drop in the levels of performance will quickly see the youngster return to the side in his place.<\/p>\n

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