Chelsea Vs Brighton And Hove Albion: Hunt For Fourth Victory Despite Being Confused About Choosing Players

JAKARTA - Chelsea hunted for their fourth win at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge Stadium, Saturday, September 28, 2024 evening WIB. Only Enzo Maresca's manager admits that he is still confused about setting the starting line up because almost all the players are in on fire conditions.

Chelsea showed an increasing performance. After a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in London derby, Chelsea won three consecutive wins in various competitions. Even the Blues managed to score nine goals, including a 1-0 win over Bournemouth and then beat West Ham United 3-0 in the Premier League.

The victory over West Ham in the next London Derby edition made Chelsea even more confident in facing Brighton. Moreover, they then won a 5-0 big win over My brother at the Carabao Cup.

In that match, Maresca overhauled the squad and fielded second-tier players or those who sat on the bench more often. However, the players who have been in layers or rarely get the opportunity to play actually show their best performance. They look impressive so that it makes it more difficult for Maresca to set the starting line up.

Striker Christopher Nkunku, who scored a hat-trick in the match againstLAW, is considered worthy of competing with Nicolas Jackson. Likewise, midfielder Romeo Lavia has recovered from injury and is ready to be fielded.

The 20-year-old has only played once in his first game when Chelsea lost 2-0 against Manchester City. But then he was forced to pull over after suffering a hamstring injury during training.

"Romeo Lavia can be played for the upcoming game. We will still see if he can play full or not. The only player absent is Reece [James]. He has not recovered from his injury," said Maresca, who had to choose Jackson or Nkunku as the starter up front. But Jackson will be the first choice against Brighton.

"Honestly, everyone has the opportunity [to play]. Whether it's five minutes, 10 minutes or even for an hour and a half, they try to give everything. This is what matters," said Maresca.

In that match, Maresca again fielded pillar players such as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo who would work hand in hand in the position of pivotal midfielder.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer and wing duo Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke support Jackson. Behind, national team defender Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana will fortify goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

What about Brighton? Despite being one of the teams that have never lost, The Seagulls' performance is still unstable.

They managed to hold Arsenal 1-1 at the Emirates but also lost points when they won the Ipswich Town promotion team. Finally, Brighton again failed to win when they hosted Nottingham Forest. Having won 2-1, Brighton finally closed the match with a 2-2 draw.

Brighton, who had perched at the top of the standings, quickly dropped the rankings. Now, they are stuck in seventh place with nine points. The same as Forest, but they are ahead on goal difference.

Fabian Huerzeler's manager also couldn't field the best squad when he visited the West London club headquarters, Joao Pedro was the last player to suffer an injury so he missed the game. Previously, Brighton had lost Matt O'Riley, Solly March and veteran midfielder James Milner who had not recovered from injury.

Brighton will also not be accompanied by Huerzeler who is subject to FA sanctions for 'not taking appropriate action'. Huerzeler's position was replaced by his assistant Andrew Crofts.

Chelsea's Lineup Forecast (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; JacksonBrighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck