Chelsea will be aiming to knock Brighton & Hove Albion out of the Carabao Cup third round when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
The Pensioners’ poor start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign continued on Sunday when they lost 0-1 to Aston Villa at home. This means Mauricio Pochettino’s side have only managed five points from their opening six Premier League fixtures.
Having lost to Villa at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino, who is under pressure following the club’s dismal run of form, will expect a rousing response from his boys in the cup competition against Brighton, who will head to west London off the back of a 3-1 league win over Bournemouth.
Chelsea Team News
Malo Gusto was shown a red card during Chelsea’s 0-1 defeat to Aston Villa after a VAR check on his foul on Lucas Digne. The French full-back will miss the game against Brighton as he begins his three-game suspension. Nicolas Jackson picked up his fifth booking in just six games on Sunday and will serve a one-game suspension against Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend.
Chelsea are missing several other key players, with Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkunku all out injured.
Noni Madueke has missed back-to-back games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa with a muscle problem and remains doubtful to face Brighton, but Marc Cucurella returned to the squad on Sunday.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
As Chelsea are struck with a myriad of injury problems and are also severely struggling for form, Mauricio Pochettino has no other option but to shuffle his pack with whatever resources he has available in the Carabao Cup third-round fixture.
The game against Brighton at Stamford Bridge could be the perfect chance to introduce Djordje Petrovic to Chelsea fans, after the Serbian signed on as Robert Sanchez’s back-up in the summer.
Defence
With injuries to the current defence rife, the chances are that this will remain unchanged from the Aston Villa loss, meaning in front of Petrovic will be Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill in the Chelsea lineup.
Malo Gusto’s suspension should see Disasi deputise at right-back, while Ben Chilwell comes in at left-back in the Chelsea lineup.
Meanwhile, Silva will partner Colwill in central defence, as Chelsea look to stop Brighton from scoring.
Midfield
In midfield, there are more options. Moises Caicedo is likely to be handed the responsibility to hold down the fort, with Lesley Ugochukwu forming the double pivot with the Ecuadorian in Chelsea’s engine room.
Cole Palmer could get the nod to start in the No.10 role in the Chelsea lineup, replacing Enzo Fernandez from the last game. The young Englishman will act as the glue between midfield and attack, and the former Man City man will look to impress the manager post his big money move.
Attack
Raheem Sterling could be rested, with Ian Maatsen possibly coming into the Chelsea lineup. Conor Gallagher could act as the right-sided wide midfielder, bringing more energy and intensity to the Blues’ side. Nicolas Jackson will lead the attack again, hoping to end his four-game barren run in front of goal.
After being sidelined for 10 months with an ACL injury, Armando Broja made his first Chelsea appearance on Sunday against Villa. He will be looking to make an impact in midweek if called upon by the manager.
