Chelsea return to Premier League action against Brighton on Sunday, with Xabi Alonso facing major decisions in goal and midfield for his first league match at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso rotated his side for Thursday’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Luton, but several first-choice players are expected to return.
The biggest question is in goal. Alonso has confirmed he already knows who will start but refused to reveal his Chelsea goalkeeper decision ahead of Brighton.
ReadChelsea is backing Mike Penders to retain his place, while Moises Caicedo is predicted to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
🚨 BREAKING: There is an expectation that Enzo Fernandez will NOT play for Chelsea against Brighton on Sunday.
Enzo is said to be heavily affected by the Manchester City transfer situation, has given the move his green light and would like to leave. 👀
(@FabrizioRomano) #CFC pic.twitter.com/nZjqGcDtqd
— ChelseaReport (@chelsreport_) August 28, 2026
Mike Penders backed to start against Brighton
Robert Sanchez started Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory at Fulham but endured a difficult evening.
Penders was then handed his competitive debut against Luton and kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory.
Alonso confirmed during his Brighton press conference that he has already selected Sunday’s goalkeeper but would tell his players before revealing the decision publicly.
The situation has become even more intriguing after Chelsea agreed a £7.5million deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.
Martinez has since travelled to London for his medical.
ReadChelsea is predicting Alonso rewards Penders for Thursday’s clean sheet and gives the 21-year-old his first Premier League start.
Caicedo could make Chelsea return
Caicedo is the other significant selection call.
The Ecuador international has missed the opening games of the campaign after suffering an injury setback, but Alonso has indicated he could return against his former club.
Chelsea’s latest team news leaves Caicedo in contention, although his fitness still needs to be assessed before the game.
If cleared, he should come straight into midfield.
Reece James partnered Valentin Barco against Luton and could retain his central role alongside Caicedo.
That would also allow Alonso to continue with the wing-back structure used during the opening weeks of the season.
Malo Gusto is backed to start on the right, with Pep Chavarria on the opposite flank.
Wesley Fofana is available again following suspension and could make his first competitive appearance of the season in defence.
Enzo Fernandez left out of predicted Chelsea XI
The difficult call comes with Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandez was unexpectedly omitted from the Luton squad and his future remains uncertain amid Manchester City’s interest.
Alonso subsequently provided more context around the midfielder’s absence, with ReadChelsea covering how the manager raised questions over Fernandez’s energy and desire to play.
Sky Sports reports Chelsea would consider selling Fernandez for the right price if they can improve Alonso’s squad, although there have not yet been club-to-club talks with City.
With Caicedo potentially returning, we are therefore leaving Fernandez out of our predicted starting XI.
That could change if Alonso receives a positive response from the midfielder before Sunday.
Palmer and Rogers keep their Chelsea places
Cole Palmer surprisingly completed the full 90 minutes against Luton, but Alonso has dismissed the suggestion that automatically means he will be rested against Brighton.
He should remain alongside Morgan Rogers.
Both players have quickly become central to Alonso’s attack and should support Joao Pedro, who returns after Danny Welbeck started and scored against Luton.
Welbeck provides an intriguing alternative against his former club, but Joao Pedro remains the more likely Premier League starter.
Chelsea supporters can find all the UK broadcast details in ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Brighton TV channel, live stream and kick-off guide.
ReadChelsea predicted XI
Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Acheampong; Gusto, Caicedo, James, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Formation: 3-4-2-1.
Chelsea vs Luton: TV channel, live stream and kick-off
Chelsea vs Luton: TV channel, live stream and kick-off
Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham: Enzo starts as James moves into defence
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