CHELSEA is coming into the weekend with a 9-0 aggregate score after winning three straight games across all competitions.

After five Premier League games, Enzo Maresca is beginning to demonstrate the kind of play he preaches. Ever before Todd Boehly became owner, Chelsea has been playing some of its finest soccer. It’s now time for Maresca’s club to demonstrate its recent success by triumphing at Stamford Bridge, something it hasn’t done yet this league season.

The most recent test comes against Brighton & Hove Albion, following draws and losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester City, respectively. Maresca has an almost fully fit team at his disposal. While he continues to heal from a hamstring injury, Reece James seems to be the only significant absence.

The most recent test comes against Brighton & Hove Albion, following draws and losses to Crystal Palace and Manchester City, respectively. Maresca has an almost fully fit team at his disposal. While he continues to heal from a hamstring injury, Reece James seems to be the only significant absence.

Luckily for Chelsea, Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory against Barrow resulted in the injury-free return of Malo Gusto, his logical replacement. Roméo Lavia, a midfielder, also resumed training last week, and it is possible that he may play against Brighton after Chelsea defeated Servette in the Conference League.

Chelsea fielded two entirely different starting lineups for their victories against Barrow on Tuesday and West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.

This is how Chelsea’s starting lineup would appear in the Premier League when they play Brighton.

Premier League: Chelsea vs. Brighton Predicted Lineup

GK: Robert Sánchez: Since Maresca’s arrival, the Spanish goalkeeper has taken back the starting position and will aim to record a third consecutive shutout in the Premier League.

LB: Marc Cucurella: Cucurella has grown crucial to Chelsea’s strategy as he has maintained the excellent play he displayed at the summer’s Euros. His ability to switch to midfield during the build-up has given his play a new dimension.

CB: Wesley Fofana: Fofana is totally healthy and appears to be the top candidate to partner with Levi Colwill after missing the entire 2023–24 season due to an ACL injury.

CB: Levi Colwill, a 21-year-old center back who has established himself as a consistent starter after a strong season debut. He has played every minute of the Premier League thus far and still has promise.

Malo Gusto, right-back, made his injury comeback on Tuesday and played 45 minutes against Barrow. He is the team’s only natural right-back who is available. When Reece James isn’t available to play, the 21-year-old Frenchman remains a reliable alternative.

CM: Moisés Caicedo: Following a rollercoaster first season at Chelsea, Caicedo is starting to prove why the club paid over $100 million on him. He’s been among the squad’s finest players thus far, and when he plays his old team, he’ll try to keep up his good play.

CM: Enzo Fernández: With James’s injury, the 2022 World Cup victor has been awarded the captain’s armband. Chelsea’s success depends on his relationship with Caicedo at the basis of the midfield.

LW: Jadon Sancho: Sancho has already returned to his former Borussia Dortmund self in less than two games. He had a man-of-the-match performance during his Bournemouth cameo.

AM: Cole Palmer: Palmer is still the most threatening player for Chelsea. Since he joined the squad in September 2023, no player in the Premier League has more goals and assists than him.

RW: Noni Madueke: Under Maresca, Madueke has flourished in the early part of the season. Defenders are forced to stay near him because of his propensity to stay wide and take advantage of gaps with his quickness.

RW: Noni Madueke: Under Maresca, Madueke has flourished in the early part of the season. Because of his speed and ability to stay wide, he makes defenders stick close to him on the flank.

ST: Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea’s desire for a new striker was discussed extensively during the summer. Nonetheless, Jackson has made a solid start to the season and has improved noticeably in his second season with the team.