4-2-3-1: How Chelsea could line-up in Premier League clash vs Brighton

Chelsea are looking to make it back-to-back wins as they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Last time out, the Blues eked out a 2-1 win against League One side Lincoln City to advance to the fourth round of the competition, where they’ll face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Their performance in midweek was far from their sparkling best, but goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte were enough to spare their blushes.

Manager Enzo Maresca will want to see a much-improved performance as they return to Premier League action, but the Blues will have to do without talisman Cole Palmer.

How Chelsea could line up

Maresca confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Palmer will be out until after October’s international break, ruling him out of the next three games.

The England international has been struggling with a groin injury, and Maresca is wary about aggravating the issue any further.

Palmer only lasted 21 minutes during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United and will now miss the upcoming games against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool.

Facundo Buonanotte filled Palmer’s role against Lincoln but won’t be able to feature against his parent club, so Maresca could turn to Andrey Santos this time around.

George was the mastermind of Chelsea’s turnaround in midweek, but he’ll likely make way for Estevao, while Pedro Neto also comes in for Alejandro Garnacho.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez should continue their midfield partnership ahead of a much-changed back four.

With Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana unavailable, Maresca will likely turn to academy graduates Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah to hold down the fort.

They’ll be flanked by Marc Cucurella and captain Reece James, who was an unused substitute against Lincoln.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is available for selection after serving his one-match ban against Lincoln, but the spotlight will be on Joao Pedro, who is set to lead the line against his former employers.