EPL

Chelsea vs Brighton team news: Xavi Alonso hands Martinez Blues’ debut

Luke Oluoch 30th August, 2026 03:22 PM

Emiliano Martínez is set for a dramatic Chelsea debut just hours after his official arrival was confirmed by the club, lining up between the posts for the Blues in their Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine goalkeeper takes his place in a 3-4-2-1 formation, shielded by a back three of Wesley Fofana, summer recruit Maxence Lacroix, and Levi Colwill, who will skipper the side.

Chelsea’s midfield engine room features Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato operating on the flanks, with Roméo Lavia anchoring the central area alongside standard options. Further forward, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers provide creative support behind lead striker João Pedro.

James, Caicedo returns

The matchday squad also brings positive news on the injury front, as both Moisés Caicedo and club captain Reece James return to fitness, taking their places among the substitutes.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and Chelsea players in training. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/ChelseaFC — Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo and Chelsea players in training. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/ChelseaFC

Joining them on a strong bench are summer additions Valentín Barco, Pep Chavarría, Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck, and Estêvão Willian, alongside backup goalkeeper Mike Penders and academy graduate Josh Acheampong.

However, Chelsea remain without Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra due to lingering injuries, while Enzo Fernández is a high-profile omission from the squad entirely amid mounting transfer speculation to Manchester City.

Vuskovic starts

Fabian Hurtzler has also fielded a competitive lineup led by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The Seagulls’ defensive shape features young star Luka Vušković alongside veteran Lewis Dunk, Olivier Boscagli, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu.

A central unit of Malick Yalcouyé, Mats Wieffer, and returning playmaker Pascal Groß supports wide options. Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gómez, with Charalampos Kostoulas leading the attack in the absence of key stars Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, and Yankuba Minteh.

De Cuyper, the star of the opening win over Aston Villa, will be hoping to extend a fine run against Chelsea in Brighton’s second game.

Chelsea FC line-up

Starting XI: Emiliano Martínez (GK) — Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill — Malo Gusto, Roméo Lavia, Jorrel Hato — Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers — João Pedro.
Substitutes: Mike Penders (GK), Reece James, Moisés Caicedo, Valentín Barco, Pep Chavarría, Josh Acheampong, Jamie Gittens, Danny Welbeck, Estêvão Willian.

Brighton’s Starting XI:

Bart Verbruggen (GK) — Luka Vušković, Lewis Dunk, Olivier Boscagli, Ferdi Kadıoğlu — Malick Yalcouyé, Mats Wieffer, Pascal Groß, Maxim De Cuyper, Diego Gómez, Charalampos Kostoulas.

Substitutes: Jason Steele (GK), Pascal Struijk, Jaouen Hadjam, Joao Costinha, Matt O’Riley, Promise David, Ibrahim Osman, Amario Cozier-Duberry, Nehemiah Oriola.