Chelsea vs Brighton Preview: Team News & Prediction

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This is a really intriguing contest at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and it could be a thriller as Chelsea welcome Brighton and Hove Albion down to Stamford Bridge.

Kick-off date/time: 30 August 2026 at 2:00 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – DirecTV Stream

Chelsea preview: Strong start

It is a new era for Chelsea with the appointment of manager Xabi Alonso. It is suggested that the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss has been given more power than previous Chelsea managers – and so pressure does come with that for Alonso.

His reign began with an entertaining 3-2 victory against his old friend Alvaro Arbeloa and his Fulham side in a West London derby last week at Craven Cottage before they then eased to a comfortable 2-0 defeat of Luton Town in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Brighton preview: Soaring Seagulls

It has been a strong start to the campaign for Brighton and Hove Albion, too, with a strong start in the Premier League and progression through to the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League, courtesy of a 4-0 defeat of Tromso in midweek.

Brighton raced into a 4-0 lead in the first half of their league opener against Aston Villa at the AMEX Stadium, eventually holding onto that lead, and they look to already be in a very good groove as they head to the capital city on Sunday.

Chelsea team news: Caicedo could be available

Xabi Alonso has said he is hopeful that Moises Caicedo could be involved here but no word was given to Enzo Fernandez after he was left out of their squad in midweek amid speculation surrounding a move to Manchester City.

Wesley Fofana has returned from suspension and so it could well be that he comes straight into the back three ahead of Josh Acheampong and alongside Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro

Unavailable: Palestra (Injured), Henderson (Injured)

Questionable: Caicedo (Fitness), Fernandez (Transfer speculation)

Brighton team news: Fresh injuries

After an impressive performance last week, it has now been suggested that Jack Hinshelwood could be out for a while now, albeit as yet unconfirmed, with Georginio Rutter also a major doubt.

Ferdi Kadioglu returned to the squad against Tromso in midweek but Hurzeler is expected to stick with Olivier Boscagli at left-back. Yankuba Minteh remains unavailable with Kaoru Mitoma returning to full fitness.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Vuskovic, Boscagli; Gross, Ayari; Gomez, O'Riley, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

Unavailable: Minteh (Injured), Ferguson (Injured), Tzimas (Injured)

Questionable: Hinshelwood (Injured), Mitoma (Fitness), Rutter (Injured)

Chelsea vs Brighton prediction

Xabi Alonso’s managerial success has come with his teams playing fluid and exciting football – and that was the case for The Blues in their victory against Fulham the other day. Brighton balance their style by being able to dominate in possession but also springing quickly to win the ball back high up the pitch, as they often did against Villa. Chelsea would have to remain favourites with their home advantage but this should be quite a fun watch for the neutral.

Chelsea vs Brighton tip: Chelsea to win & both teams to score