Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brighton

Mauricio Pochettino may have hoped to include Moises Caicedo in his Chelsea team to take on Brighton on Sunday, but the two clubs remain locked in negotiations – providing a fascinating backdrop to the upcoming friendly.

There’s a bit of a grudge feel about this one but Pochettino must keep his focus on building up fitness and familiarity with his system. A youthful side put five past Wrexham last time out but will now face a drastic step-up in quality.

Here’s how the boss could set up.

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – Kepa was among the seniors to miss out on the Wrexham game, but expect his minutes to start growing from here.

RB: Malo Gusto – Reece James has overcome an illness and joined up with the squad but is unlikely to displace Gusto just yet.

CB: Thiago Silva – With Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana both at home through injuries and Trevoh Chalobah complaining of his own pain last time out, Silva may be thrown straight in at the deep end.

CB: Levi Colwill – Chelsea have rebuffed Brighton’s attempts to re-sign Colwill and could flex on the Seagulls by naming their starboy in their starting lineup here.

LB: Ben Chilwell – A candidate to wear the captain’s armband, Chilwell faces some healthy competition for his role this season.

DM: Enzo Fernandez – The Argentine wasn’t involved against Wrexham but, as a star of this team, needs to start building minutes now.

DM: Andrey Santos – Now with a work permit to play in the Premier League, Santos could build on a positive showing against Wrexham with another outing here.

RM: Angelo – After an electric cameo caught many off guard, Angelo definitely deserves another chance to make a name for himself.

AM: Christopher Nkunku – The Frenchman was used as a striker in his first game but Pochettino admitted that was more out of necessity than design. Expect Nkunku to return to this midfield role instead.

LM: Ian Maatsen – He’s definitely a left-back, but Maatsen scored twice against Wrexham and almost demands inclusion in this advanced role here.

ST: Nicolas Jackson – Jackson led the line well in his 45 minutes on the pitch and can now start building an understanding with the seniors around him.