Chelsea will attempt to maintain their perfect start under Xabi Alonso when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues began the new Premier League campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory at Fulham before progressing in the EFL Cup with a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Brighton have been equally impressive, opening their league season by dismantling Aston Villa 4-0 before beating Tromsø by the same scoreline in the Conference League on Thursday.

Recent history adds another dimension to the contest. Brighton have won the last three Premier League meetings between the clubs and four consecutive encounters in all competitions, so Alonso’s side have an opportunity to end what has developed into an uncomfortable sequence against the Seagulls.

Chelsea

There has already been plenty of encouragement from Alonso’s first two competitive matches in charge, particularly in attack.

Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all scored in the 3-2 victory over Fulham, giving Chelsea an immediate glimpse of what their new-look forward line might produce. Palmer’s freedom between midfield and attack could be particularly important against a Brighton side that will not simply sit deep and attempt to frustrate the hosts.

Chelsea were less convincing defensively at Craven Cottage, however. They twice surrendered the lead, and Robert Sanchez’s performance attracted further scrutiny. Alonso subsequently handed Mike Penders his Chelsea debut against Luton, while the club have moved to bring Emiliano Martinez to Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa. Alonso has confirmed that he has decided who will start in goal on Sunday without revealing his choice.

Moises Caicedo is another major selection question. The former Brighton midfielder missed Chelsea’s opening two matches after suffering an injury in training, but Alonso is hopeful that he will be available on Sunday. His presence would give the Blues greater control in a match where Brighton are likely to press aggressively and attack quickly after turnovers.

Wesley Fofana is available again after completing his suspension, while Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson remain sidelined. Enzo Fernandez’s involvement is less certain amid continued speculation surrounding his future and Alonso’s comments about wanting players who demonstrate a clear desire to represent the club.

What Chelsea have already shown under Alonso is considerable attacking potential. Rogers provides direct running, Joao Pedro can both link play and threaten the penalty area, while Palmer remains the player most capable of deciding the match with an individual moment.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton’s opening Premier League performance was difficult to ignore. Fabian Hürzeler’s team overwhelmed Aston Villa 4-0, with Jack Hinshelwood scoring twice as the Seagulls produced four goals inside the opening 31 minutes. They then followed that result with another 4-0 victory against Tromsø to secure their place in the Conference League league phase.

That means Brighton arrive at Stamford Bridge having scored eight unanswered goals in their two home fixtures this season.

They should also travel without any inferiority complex. Brighton have become an awkward opponent for Chelsea and have won their last three Premier League meetings, scoring three times in each of them. Last season brought a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge followed by a 3-0 triumph at the Amex in April.

Hürzeler nevertheless has several significant availability problems. Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are ruled out, while Georginio Rutter remains doubtful. Jack Hinshelwood is also a major question after the injury that prevented him from facing Tromsø, although reports differ over the likely length of his absence.

If Rutter cannot start, Charalampos Kostoulas is a natural candidate to lead the attack after scoring against Tromsø, while new arrival Promise David offers Hürzeler another option and is expected to be available.

Brighton’s strength remains their willingness to play positively regardless of the opposition. They should press Chelsea’s build-up and attempt to exploit the spaces that inevitably appear when Alonso’s wing-backs push forward. That could make this a far more open contest than Chelsea would ideally want.

Verdict

This looks like one of the most entertaining fixtures of the Premier League weekend.

Chelsea possess enough attacking quality to cause Brighton serious problems, but there are still questions surrounding Alonso’s defensive structure and goalkeeper situation. Brighton have already demonstrated how ruthless they can be when opponents give them space, while their outstanding recent record against Chelsea should ensure that they arrive believing they can win again.

The visitors’ injury list could ultimately prove decisive. Missing players such as Mitoma and Minteh substantially reduces Hürzeler’s attacking options, and Chelsea now have a front three capable of punishing Brighton if the game becomes stretched.

Brighton are good enough to score at Stamford Bridge, but we expect Alonso’s side to finally end their losing sequence against the Seagulls.

Our prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Tip

Chelsea to win and both teams to score