Chelsea Starting XI vs Brighton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Facing Brighton Test Without Key Stars

Chelsea prepare to welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but the build-up has been overshadowed by injuries and suspensions that have forced Enzo Maresca into reshaping his plans. The absence of Cole Palmer, their creative heartbeat, is the most pressing concern as he continues to recover from a persistent groin problem.

Palmer’s injury, sustained in the first half against Manchester United, has ruled him out until after the international break. Maresca explained the decision, saying, “Yes, we decided to protect a little bit Cole, in terms of not letting his injury get worse. We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100 per cent and to be fit after the international break. I don’t think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him.”

Defensive Concerns for Chelsea

In defence, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are sidelined. Tosin is dealing with a “small calf issue” while Fofana is completing a 12-day concussion protocol after suffering symptoms during the Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln. With Levi Colwill out for most of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Maresca is expected to turn to young Josh Acheampong, who has returned from illness and could partner Trevoh Chalobah at centre-back.

Midfield Balancing Act

The midfield will also require careful adjustment. Enzo Fernandez may be pushed further forward into a No10 role, with Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos offering defensive protection. Alternatively, Joao Pedro could take the creative responsibility, freeing Tyrique George to act as an auxiliary striker.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are close to returning, possibly in time for Brighton or the following Benfica fixture. Their inclusion would provide much-needed balance in a squad currently stretched by injuries.

Brighton Visit Comes at Testing Time

Saturday’s clash with Brighton adds another layer of intrigue. The Seagulls cannot call on Facundo Buonanotte, who scored against Lincoln but is ineligible against his parent club. Chelsea meanwhile are still missing Liam Delap until December with a hamstring problem, and Dario Essugo’s thigh injury means he will not return before 2026.

Maresca is likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system with Sanchez in goal, a defensive unit of James, Acheampong, Chalobah and Cucurella, Caicedo and Fernandez anchoring midfield, Estevao and Neto out wide, Joao Pedro pulling strings centrally and George spearheading the attack.

Kick-off is set for 3pm BST at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea must find solutions to keep pace in the Premier League.