The latest Chelsea team news, injury update and predicted line-up ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton
Chelsea have got their 2026/27 season off to the perfect start, winning both of their opening matches. They got the ball rolling last Monday with a 3-2 Premier League win away to Fulham, before breezing past League One side Luton Town 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup.
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Next up, Xabi Alonso’s side face a sterner test when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. The Seagulls thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 on the opening day of the Premier League season, and followed it up with a 4-0 trouncing of Norwegian side Tromso in the Europa Conference League.
Heading into Sunday’s game, Chelsea have a limited number of injury concerns to deal with. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson is still out of action, after breaking his wrist during the frenzied celebrations that followed England’s 2026 World Cup last 16 win over Mexico. Moises Caicedo missed the Blues’ first two matches, but could feature against Brighton.
Versatile full-back Marco Palestra looks unlikely to play this weekend, as he continues to recover from an unspecified injury. French centre-back Wesley Fofana will be available for selection for the first time this season, after serving the ban he picked up after being sent off in last season’s final day Premier League loss away to Sunderland.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Brighton: goalkeeper and defence
Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal against Brightonplaceholder image
Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is expected to start in goal against Brighton | AFP via Getty Images
GK - Robert Sanchez: The ex-Brighton stopper’s dire performance in Chelsea’s win over Fulham appears to have been the final straw for the club’s recruitment team, who have finally made a move to replace their under fire number one. Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez is coming in as his replacement, but won’t be registered in time to play on Sunday. We expect Sanchez to start ahead of Mike Penders on this occasion, before Martinez becomes the first-choice ‘keeper.
RWB - Malo Gusto: While Chelsea switched to a back four against Luton in midweek, we expect Alonso to revert to a three in an attempt to quell the Seagulls’ formidable attack. With Palestra injured and Reece James required to step into midfield, Gusto is expected to play in the right-sided wing-back role.
CB - Josh Acheampong: Chelsea’s switch to a back three has been good news for the talented academy product, who has benefited with game-time thanks to an extra central defensive spot opening up. He played the full ninety minutes against Luton, impressing as he won all the tackles and aerial duels he was involved in throughout the victory.
CB - Maxence Lacroix: The £51m summer signing has impressed in the early stages of his Chelsea career, bringing some much needed composure to a defence that looked all at sea last season. He’ll start in the heart of defence, bringing the strength and confidence that saw him thrive during his two-season spell at Crystal Palace.
CB - Levi Colwill: After missing the vast majority of the 2025/26 season with injury, Colwill is looking back to his best. He benefited from a long summer in which he didn’t go to the World Cup, giving him additional time to build up his fitness. A strong showing between now and the September international break could well see the 23-year-old earn an England recall.
LWB - Jorrel Hato: The Dutchman looks to have been tasked with filling the Marc Cucurella void, and impressed in Chelsea’s season opening against Fulham. He came off the bench not long before the 70-minute mark in midweek, which suggests that he was given a rest ahead of starting against Brighton.
Chelsea predicted line-up vs Brighton: Midfield and attack
Chelsea's Cole Palmer has looked back to his best in the early stages of the 2026/27 seasonplaceholder image
Chelsea's Cole Palmer has looked back to his best in the early stages of the 2026/27 season | Getty Images
CM - Reece James: A surprising feature of Alonso’s reign so far has been James’ move into midfield. It’s a position he’s played in before, but usually as a means of easing him back into the side with a less physically demanding role. He may well revert to right wing-back once Caicedo returns, and the lengthy Enzo Fernandez saga is finally decided.
CM - Romeo Lavia: Said Fernandez saga has worked out well for Lavia, who has got more minutes than expected so far this season. He should come in to replace Valentin Barco against Brighton, with Fernandez likely to start on the bench or miss the game entirely as rumours continue to swirl over a potential big-money move to Manchester City.
AM - Cole Palmer: Like Colwill, Palmer has benefitted greatly from a summer of recovery, after the relentless 2024/25 campaign had a severe knock-on effect that saw him struggle for fitness for most of last season. He’s back playing with a smile on his face and looking fearsome when surging forward. Palmer is now expected to start every match for a side that won’t have the additional pressures of European football this term.
AM - Morgan Rogers: The pressure on £117m mega-money signing Rogers to impress is sizeable, but he got things off to a great start earlier in the week, netting on his competitive debut against Fulham. He’ll line up alongside his firm friend Palmer behind a central striker, in what is already looking like a dream attacking midfield partnership.
ST - Joao Pedro: Leading the line once again, the Brazilian gem will start from the off after having reduced minutes against Luton. He both scored and assisted in the Blues’ league opener against the Cottagers, and looks more than capable of surpassing the 15 goals Premier League goals he netted for his side during the 2025/26 campaign.
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