Predicted XI: Enzo Maresca forced to call up academy talent and teenage winger for Brighton test | OneFootball

Chelsea line up to face Brighton today in a delicate position.

A win over Lincoln midweek, one that came despite a poor performance, has done nothing to dispel the growing unease at Chelsea after a dodgy start to the season. In fact, a pile of new injuries added in Enzo Maresca’s press conference yesterday has only deepened the gloom.

A win against Brighton today would help considerably – but it won’t come easy, especially with so many absences.

Chelsea’s team to take on tricky Brighton test

Enzo Maresca shouts instructions on the touchline. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Robert Sanchez served his ban for a red card last weekend in the Lincoln game, so he will be back in the team today.

In the back line, Reece James should be fit at right back after taking a midweek break. In the centre things get more complicated. Tosin Adarabioyo now has a calf injury and Wesley Fofana a concussion, meaning Trevoh Chalobah is the only senior central defender available. We expect him to start with Josh Acheampong.

Marc Cucurella should be ready to play at left back.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo is going to face his old club, with Andrey Santos feeling likely to start alongside him. That then pushes Enzo Fernandez into an attacking midfield role to replace the injured Cole Palmer.

Out wide, Pedro Neto is a Maresca favourite on one wing, while Estevao Willian should get the start on the other side.

Up front, Joao Pedro will lead the line.

Maresca’s other options as injuries hit

There are other possibilities – Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens will also be hoping for a start in the attack somewhere, but neither impressed too much in midweek, and Estevao should have the lead over them in the manager’s thinking.

It also feels possible Maresca changes things in defence to leave out Acheampong – we really hope he doesn’t though.