Chelsea host Brighton in the Premier League this weekend with the Blues chasing a fourth consecutive win and clean sheet in all competitions.
Enzo Maresca has had an encouraging start to his reign at Chelsea with the West Londoners sitting a point outside the Champions League places after five games.
Chelsea earned an impressive 3-0 win at West Ham in the Premier League last time out with Nicolas Jackson on form at the London Stadium, before thrashing League Two leaders Barrow 5-0 in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Maresca has been pleased with the start his side have made to the season and will want to continue building confidence when Brighton arrive at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Brighton – Predicted lineup and team news
Chelsea team news
Maresca has admitted he has a selection headache when it comes to his forward options, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku competing for the number nine role. Jackson has scored four goals in five Premier League games this season and has now returned 13 goals and assists in his last 13 games for Chelsea.
However, Nkunku has stated his case for inclusion with six goals in all competitions amid limited involvement this season. The Frenchman fired in a hat-trick in the win over Barrow in midweek.
“Jackson played in the Premier League, scored two goals. Nkunku played the other day and scored three,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.
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“This is good because not one of them can drop that means that the other one, he can have more chances, thinking and knowing that it’s impossible for them to be at the same level for all season because it’s not possible.
“But it’s important that they compete with each other and they are ready when we give them minutes.”
Romeo Lavia is fit to return to the squad after a hamstring problem, having not featured since August. Malo Gusto is also in contention to feature from the start after playing 45 minutes against Barrow, though Reece James remains out for the Blues.
Chelsea predicted line up
Chelsea predicted lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
When is Chelsea vs Brighton?
Chelsea host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday 28th September 2024. Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 15:00 BST.
What TV channel is Chelsea vs Brighton on?
Chelsea vs Brighton will not be televised live to a UK audience.
