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

Chelsea Starting XI vs Brighton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup Chelsea Team News vs Brighton: Moises Caicedo Fitness, Emi Martinez Decision and Predicted Line-up Chelsea head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton waiting on one issue above the rest, Moises Caicedo’s fitness. Xabi Alonso wants him involved at Stamford Bridge, but the midfielder remains under assessment after picking up an injury in training last week. He missed the wins over Fulham and Luton Town and, for now, Chelsea are keeping it simple. Alonso said: “He is hopefully training [on Friday]. We are hopeful he can be involved. We are still checking; no decision made.” That says enough. There is optimism, but no guarantee. Moises Caicedo latest shapes Chelsea midfield If Caicedo is fit, Chelsea gain control and bite in midfield. If he is not, Alonso still has options, with Reece James, Valentin Barco and Romeo Lavia available for selection. Enzo Fernandez is another name to watch after he was expected in the squad against Luton before being left out. Interest from Manchester City has added noise, though the immediate issue is whether he is available and selected. Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra remain sidelined, so the midfield choices are not endless. That is why Caicedo matters here. Chelsea can cope without him for stretches, but they are a better side with him in it. Goalkeeper call and defensive changes The goalkeeper situation is no longer subtle. Robert Sanchez appears to be slipping down the order after Chelsea agreed a £7.5million deal for Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. Mike Penders made his debut in the 2-0 win over Luton while Sanchez stayed on the bench. Alonso says he knows who starts against Brighton, he just is not saying. At the back, Wesley Fofana returns from suspension and is available for his first competitive appearance of the season. That gives Chelsea a needed boost. Young defender Josh Acheampong is also set to be in the squad. Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda were absent against Luton, but Alonso made clear there are no major concerns. He said: “Our plan is that they are training [Friday] preparing for Sunday. With Levi, we know three games in a week after the injury, missing a period, he needs to take the right steps. “We don’t want to push him too much. So he feels comfortable.” Chelsea line-up prediction for Brighton clash Cole Palmer played the full 90 minutes on Thursday and there is no indication that means he will be rested. He is expected to continue in attack with Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro as Chelsea try to sharpen a new-look front line. Predicted Chelsea XI, 3-4-2-1: Penders, Fofana, Lacroix, Acheampong, Gusto, Caicedo, James, Chavarria, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro. Caicedo and Fernandez remain the main doubts. Palestra and Henderson are out. Kick-off is 2pm BST on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Stamford Bridge. For Chelsea, this is straightforward. Get Caicedo fit, settle the goalkeeper call, win the midfield battle.