Chelsea's Spanish Manager Xabi Alonso arrives ahead of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on August 30,
Chelsea's Spanish Manager Xabi Alonso arrives ahead of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in London on August 30,
Hello and welcome to football.london's coverage of Chelsea versus Brighton from Stamford Bridge!
This afternoon, Xabi Alonso will hope his side can continue their excellent vein of form following wins over Fulham on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season and Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Joao Pedro fired the Blues to victory against Alvaro Arbeloa's side at Craven Cottage on Monday night, scoring the fastest goal on the first matchday of an English top-flight campaign in history. Josh King eventually equalised, beating Robert Sanchez at his near post, before Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea's advantage.
Cole Palmer found the net shortly after the break, tucking the ball between the legs of Bernd Leno. Gonzalo Garcia pulled one back for the Cottagers a few moments later, but the Blues weathered the storm and held onto the lead, pocketing three huge points.
Then, on Thursday night, Alonso handed the likes of Mike Penders, Pep ChavarrÃa, ValentÃn Barco, and Danny Welbeck their first starts when Chelsea hosted Jack Wilshere's side. The Blues cruised to victory, filling them with even more confidence ahead of this afternoon's bout with Brighton.
So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we bring you all the latest match updates and analysis LIVE from Stamford Bridge...
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Emiliano Martinez of Chelsea arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)