Chelsea have been on a spending spree during the ongoing transfer window which is why for the 2020/21 season, Frank Lampard will surely be eyeing a shot at the Premier League title.
And in a bid to do so, the Blues will begin their campaign with an away game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday.
Chelsea have brought in a number of new players over the past few months but the manager also has to deal with a series of injury concerns which is why it will be interesting to see how Lampard sets up his side.
Not much is expected from the home side on Monday since Chelsea are undefeated in their last 7 matches against Brighton in all competitions but since this is the season opener, the Blues might take some time to fall into place.
Chelsea team news vs Brighton:
At the time of writing this, Chelsea are rumoured to bring in keeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes but even if that move goes through before Monday, it will certainly be Kepa who will start in goal vs the Seagulls.
Thiago Silva has joined on a free transfer from PSG but has only started training with Chelsea this weekend and is unlikely to feature on Monday. This means Zouma and Rudiger will once again pair up in central defence.
Ben Chilwell is still recovering from his hip injury and he will only be fit for selection by the end of this month(hopefully).
N’Golo Kante has also been tipped to leave but the Frenchman should get a place in the starting XI alongside Jorginho and Mason Mount.
Kovacic picked up a one-match ban due to his red card in the FA Cup final meaning he will be unavailable for selection.
Kai Havertz is available for selection but some experts feel it will be Mason Mount who is likely to play through the centre while the German international will be deployed on the right flank.
Christian Pulisic is ruled out with a thigh injury and will be out for a couple of more weeks which is why Hudson-Odoi is likely to start on the left flank.
Former Ajax man Hakim Ziyech also picked up an injury in pre-season and will not be fit in time to play against Brighton.
The Chelsea man has finally some options in the centre-forward’s role and it should be new arrival Timo Werner who will feature upfront on Monday.
Chelsea’s predicted line-up vs Brighton:
Predicted Starting XI: Kepa; Zouma, Rudiger, Reece James, Marcos Alonso; Jorginho, Kante, Mount; Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Kai Havertz.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
