Chelsea predicted starting lineup vs Brighton as full debut awaits for Blues star
Chelsea are in desperate need of a win and Mauricio Pochettino will be forced into at least one change with Malo Gusto suspended for the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton
Chelsea vs Brighton. A fixture that appears to have taken on greater significance in the last 12 months or so given the business dealings between the two clubs.
The pair find themselves with roles reversed in comparison to recent seasons with the Seagulls flying high in the Premier League and competing in Europe, while Chelsea have already played once in this season's Carabao Cup. The Blues defeated AFC Wimbledon 2-1 in the second round of the competition to book a clash with Roberto De Zerbi's men and a win on this occasion could provide a launchpad after a difficult start to this term for Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues will be without Malo Gusto, who is suspended for the cup match after being sent off versus Aston Villa, in addition to eight injured players. Some rotation will still be possible for the Blues however with the likes of Marc Cucurella, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Lesley Ugochukwu and Ian Maatsen will be hoping from an opportunity having been on the bench at the weekend.
Armando Broja, however, is not ready to start from the first whistle. Pochettino revealed on Tuesday that he will only be available from the bench.
He said: "No, he is not ready to start. I think he is helping the team and doing well but he needs time to be fit again to be able to start a game. I think for 20, 25, 30 minutes he can help the team but he is not ready."
football.london takes a look at the team Pochettino could select to face the Seagulls.
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Robert Sanchez
There could be an opportunity for Djordje Petrovic in the Carabao Cup, but Robert Sanchez has staked a strong claim to be the club's No.1 and to continue in the role in an important match.
(Image: Darren Walsh)1 of 11Axel Disasi
The French defender moved on to the right side of defence after Malo Gusto was sent off against Bournemouth.
(Image: Chris Lee)2 of 11Thiago Silva
The Blues have few defensive options to choose from heading into the match meaning the Brazilian veteran will continue his presence in the backline with no rest.
(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)3 of 11Levi Colwill
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The England international is set to move in the centre of defence as the backline each moves a space across the right.
(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside via Getty Images)4 of 11Ben Chilwell
![Ben Chilwell of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea FC at Vitality Stadium on September 17, 2023]()
Chelsea's vice captain is set to be handed his first start of the season at left back having returned to the position in his last two substitute appearances. He could face competition from Marc Cucurella and Ian Maatsen however.
(Image: Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)5 of 11
