Nkunku lead the attack as Lavia is back from injury”, Possible Chelsea line up vs Brighton – As Enzo Maresca unleash a four man defense

Chelsea heads into the weekend with a wave of momentum, having secured three consecutive wins across all competitions. These victories came with a dominating aggregate scoreline of 9–0, showcasing the team’s current form and confidence.

Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has been implementing a distinct style of football, reflecting the philosophy Maresca has been aiming to instill. Through five Premier League matches, Chelsea is playing some of its most impressive football since Todd Boehly took ownership. However, there is still an important challenge ahead, as the team has yet to secure a home victory at Stamford Bridge in league play this season. The upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion presents a crucial opportunity for Chelsea to demonstrate its consistency and maintain its winning form.

Brighton will provide a tough test for Maresca’s men. After suffering a defeat to Manchester City and drawing with Crystal Palace, Brighton is eager to turn things around. Despite their struggles, Chelsea’s squad is almost entirely fit, with the notable exception of Reece James, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Chelsea will be relieved by the return of Malo Gusto, who stepped in for the injured James. Gusto made his comeback during Chelsea’s 5–0 triumph over Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Additionally, there is positive news regarding midfielder Roméo Lavia, who resumed training last week and could make his return to action against Brighton, having been absent since Chelsea’s Conference League victory over Servette.

In recent matches, Maresca has been rotating his squad, deploying two completely different starting lineups in last Saturday’s Premier League victory against West Ham and Tuesday’s Carabao Cup match against Barrow. This level of squad depth and flexibility will be crucial as Chelsea continues to navigate the demanding fixture schedule.

Looking ahead to the Brighton match, Chelsea’s predicted lineup is expected to maintain this momentum.

Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup for the Brighton Match:

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
Sánchez has reclaimed his spot as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper since Maresca’s arrival. He will be eager to continue his strong form and secure a third consecutive Premier League clean sheet.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella, who has been in excellent form following his impressive performances in the summer Euros, has become a key player in Chelsea’s setup. His versatility in dropping into midfield during build-up phases has added a new dimension to his game.

Center-back: Wesley Fofana
After missing the entire 2023–24 season due to an ACL injury, Fofana is now fully fit and is establishing himself as the preferred partner to Levi Colwill in central defense

Center-back: Levi Colwill
At just 21 years old, Colwill has emerged as a consistent starter for Chelsea. He has played every minute of the Premier League season thus far and continues to impress with his solid performances.

Right-back: Malo Gusto
Gusto’s return from injury on Tuesday came at the perfect time, with him playing 45 minutes against Barrow. With Reece James still sidelined, Gusto will be a crucial player at right-back, offering stability and energy down the right flank.

Central Midfield: Moisés Caicedo
After an inconsistent debut season, Caicedo is finally beginning to show why Chelsea invested over $100 million in him. He has been one of the team’s standout performers so far and will be eager to maintain his form against his former club, Brighton.

Central Midfield: Enzo Fernández
With Reece James out injured, Fernández has taken on more leadership responsibilities, even wearing the captain’s armband. His partnership with Caicedo in midfield has been key to Chelsea’s resurgence, and he will look to continue controlling games from the middle of the park.

Left-wing: Jadon Sancho
In just a few appearances, Sancho has already displayed flashes of the brilliance he showed at Borussia Dortmund. His man-of-the-match performance against Bournemouth was a reminder of his potential, and Chelsea fans will hope he continues this form on the left wing.

Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer
Since joining Chelsea in September 2023, Palmer has been the team’s most influential player in terms of goals and assists. His creativity and attacking threat make him one of the first names on Maresca’s teamsheet.

Right-wing: Noni Madueke
Madueke has flourished under Maresca’s management, thriving in his role as a wide player. His pace and ability to stretch the field make him a vital asset, forcing opposition defenders to stay wide, which opens up more space for Chelsea to exploit in the center.

Striker: Nicolas Jackson
Despite speculation over the summer about Chelsea needing a new striker, Jackson has silenced the critics with his performances. He is currently Chelsea’s top goalscorer and ranks third in the Premier League with four goals in five matches. His improvement has been noticeable, and he will look to add to his tally against Brighton.

With these players in form and a confident team performance behind them, Chelsea looks set to continue its winning streak as it faces Brighton in what promises to be another exciting Premier League encounter.Chelsea’s momentum heading into the weekend is palpable, buoyed by three consecutive victories across all competitions, including an impressive aggregate score of 9-0. Under Enzo Maresca’s guidance, Chelsea has adopted a dynamic and progressive style of play that has garnered attention as some of the best football they’ve played since Todd Boehly took over. However, the challenge of securing a first home league win at Stamford Bridge this season looms large, and Brighton & Hove Albion will provide a stern test.

Brighton, despite recent setbacks with a loss to Manchester City and a draw against Crystal Palace, remain a formidable opponent. Chelsea will be keen to capitalize on their recent form, with most of their squad available for selection aside from Reece James, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. The return of Malo Gusto offers relief, as he resumed action in Chelsea’s 5-0 Carabao Cup win against Barrow. Additionally, midfielder Roméo Lavia has resumed training and could make a return soon, adding further depth to Chelsea’s midfield.

Maresca’s squad rotation has been notable, utilizing depth in their back-to-back victories over West Ham in the Premier League and Barrow in the Carabao Cup. The upcoming match against Brighton will be an opportunity for Chelsea to demonstrate their consistency and maintain their winning momentum.

**Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Brighton:**

– **Goalkeeper**: *Robert Sánchez*
Sánchez has solidified his role as the starting goalkeeper and will aim to continue his recent streak of clean sheets.

– **Left-back**: *Marc Cucurella*
Cucurella’s form has been a revelation, contributing both defensively and in Chelsea’s build-up play.

– **Center-backs**: *Wesley Fofana* and *Levi Colwill*
Fofana’s return from injury has strengthened the defense, while Colwill, at just 21, has become a mainstay in the backline.

– **Right-back**: *Malo Gusto*
Gusto’s return from injury couldn’t have come at a better time, with him stepping in for Reece James to provide stability on the right flank.

– **Central Midfield**: *Moisés Caicedo* and *Enzo Fernández*
Caicedo is starting to find his rhythm, and alongside Fernández, they form a formidable partnership in the heart of midfield.

– **Left-wing**: *Jadon Sancho*
Sancho has rediscovered his form and will be key in providing creativity and attacking threat from the left.

– **Attacking Midfield**: *Cole Palmer*
Palmer has quickly become Chelsea’s most creative outlet, consistently contributing with goals and assists.

– **Right-wing**: *Noni Madueke*
Madueke’s pace and width will be vital in stretching Brighton’s defense and creating opportunities.

– **Striker**: *Nicolas Jackson*
Jackson has been prolific, leading Chelsea’s attack with four goals in five Premier League matches, and will look to continue his scoring run.

Chelsea heads into the clash against Brighton brimming with confidence, and a win would further cement their resurgence under Maresca, as they aim to establish consistency both home and away.