Premier League 2025-2026: Brighton-Chelsea, the likely lineups
The race for Europe gets into high gear with the 9 p.m. Amex Stadium fixture, where Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton takes on a Chelsea in crisis under Liam Rosenior. The two teams come to the match with opposite moods, the Seagulls flying on the wings of enthusiasm thanks to 5 wins in the last seven matches and, despite the draw obtained in a comeback with Tottenham, aiming to overtake Chelsea itself in the standings. Dark situation, on the other hand, for the Blues, where success in the Premier has been missing since a 4-1 win at Aston Villa in early March. Since then, Chelsea has struggled immensely, with morale plummeting again after the heavy Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG, which eliminated the Londoners from the competition with a clean 8-2 aggregate, and the recent knockout against Manchester United. For Rosenior it is the last call, try to reverse the trend or start thinking about saying goodbye to Europe next season.
Hurzeler reunites captain Dunk in the center of defense after being disqualified. In the midfield Gross and Ayari are confirmed, while in the three-quarter Rutter hopes for a starting spot after his goal at Tottenham. In attack, space is given to Welbeck’s experience, while Gomez remains in doubt; should he not recover in time, Mitoma or De Cuyper are ready with the latter favored to start.
Rosenior relies on his best men to try to win. Sanchez is in goal, protected by central pair Chalobah-Fofana with Cucurella and Gusto on the side lanes. In midfield, the Caicedo-Fernandez pair is confirmed, while the weight of the attack will be on Delap’s shoulders, supported by the quality of Palmer, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto.
Brighton-Chelsea, the likely lineups
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Gross, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck. All. Hurzeler.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto; Delap. All. Rosenior.
