Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Brighton as Mauricio Pochettino mulls Nkunku decision
Pochettino delivers Chelsea team news for Brighton clash
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will hope to shake off last weekend’s 4-1 thrashing at Newcastle United and return to winning ways when Brighton visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday. With a long list of absentees and two possible injury comebacks on the cards, Express Sport takes you through how the Blues are likely to line up…
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Robert Sanchez has played every single minute in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, conceding 20 goals in 13 games. Back-up goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is highly rated in west London, but there have been no signs of Pochettino planning to make an imminent change between the sticks.
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Defence: Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill
Injuries and suspensions have wreaked havoc on Chelsea’s squad with defenders Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella and Reece James all among those unavailable for the clash against the Seagulls.
In Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill, Pochettino can field a more-than-capable back four. However, hints of age catching up to Silva and the absence of a natural full-back could both give Brighton areas to exploit.
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Defensive midfield: Fernandez, Caicedo
Romeo Lavia is back in partial team training, but Pochettino has suggested that Sunday’s showdown is likely to come too soon for the Belgian. The familiar pairing of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo – two £100million-plus players – is therefore likely to get the nod.
Attacking midfield: Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling
Conor Gallagher has arguably been Chelsea’s best player this season, and Cole Palmer’s impact on the side since his move from Manchester City has been striking. The duo should be joined by Raheem Sterling to form an energetic trio buzzing in behind the central striker.
Striker: Jackson
For all of his shortcomings, Nicolas Jackson remains Chelsea’s top scorer this season with six Premier League goals. Armando Broja is still knocking on the door to start ahead of the Senegal international, and competition is only set to ramp up further as Christopher Nkunku nears his comeback.
The Frenchman, who excelled during pre-season before suffering a long-term injury, is now training with the first team and he could feature against Brighton. Pochettino has a tricky decision to make, however, as he won’t want to throw Nkunku in too early and risk a recurrence of his previous knock. It therefore seems logical that the 26-year-old will start the afternoon on the bench.
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