Fans’ choice Chelsea lineup against Brighton: Loftus-Cheek to start two in a row

       

Kepa Arrizabalaga will undoubtedly return to the starting eleven after sitting out Chelsea’s midweek game against Vidi. Kepa the Keepa has been in fine form but will have to watch out for the physical and surprisingly goal-happy Glen Murray (only Aubame yang, Kane, Salah, and Sterling have more than Murray’s eight goals in the Premier League).

Maurizio Sarri’s trusted back four should make their return as well, especially as only David Luiz traveled with the squad to Hungary and Alonso, Azpilicueta, and Rüdiger stayed in London.

Jorginho and N’golo Kanté are the obvious starters in midfield, but the identity of the third player is less certain. Mateo Kovačić was back in full training on Friday, but if he’s unable to go, one of Thursday’s starters, Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, would have to deputise.

After scoring a peach of a free kick against Vidi, Olivier Giroud returns to the starting lineup in place of the injured Álvaro Morata — the Eden Hazard at centre forward experiment worked out well enougu, but I’d expect Sarri to prefer the big man due to Brighton’s physicality. Pedro, who was merely a substitute during the week, should complete the starting lineup.

4-3-3
Arrizabalaga | Alonso, David Luiz, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta | Kovačić, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Giroud, Pedro