Xabi Alonso Makes Goalkeeper Decision For Brighton As Robert Sanchez Awaits Chelsea Fate | OneFootball

Previewing Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Brighton.

Xabi Alonso has confirmed he has made a decision on who will start in goal for Chelsea against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Chelsea host Fabian Hürzeler's side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, looking to claim three wins in a row in all competitions, and back-to-back wins in the Premier League.

It comes after their narrow 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday night, which saw all three of Chelsea's attackers - Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer - get on the scoresheet.

But unlike Brighton's 4-0 win in their opening game against Aston Villa, Chelsea conceded twice, and they were down to goalkeeping errors from Robert Sanchez.

It saw Mike Penders come into the side to start against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, although that would've been the likely plan regardless of Sanchez's performance. Penders kept a clean sheet in the process, strengthening his claim to climb above Sanchez in the pecking order.

However, Chelsea made a key call in the transfer market after Sanchez's blunders. They agreed a deal for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, with the Blues set to pay £7.5 million for the 33-year-old's signature.

It is unknown whether Chelsea, who haven't made any announcement yet, managed to complete the deal for Martinez before the Friday, August 28, 12pm deadline to register him in time for Sunday's match. When Martinez signs, he is expected to become the club's number one goalkeeper.

As preparations continue for Brighton, Alonso must select his team, and, quizzed ahead of the fixture, the 44-year-old was asked whether he had already decided on the starting goalkeeper.

"Yes," the Chelsea manager replied.

Given that it is likely to be between Sanchez and Penders, the choice is one or the other. But Alonso was not prepared to publicly confirm his decision yet. He offered no indication of whether Sanchez would retain his league starting spot or if Penders would continue after his cup role.

Will Robert Sanchez get another chance in goal, Alonso was asked. He replied: "Don't ask. I know. But I prefer to tell the players first."

With Brighton scoring four goals in both of their last two games in all competitions, Chelsea will need to ensure they are at their best defensively to keep a clean sheet.

But that will be down to who is in between the sticks for the Blues. Whoever that is, they must take the opportunity.

If Sanchez is dropped, the writing is on the wall. If he is given another chance, he must redeem himself at the first choice. The wait to learn Alonso's decision is almost over.