Chelsea will look to build on a strong start as they host Brighton in the Premier League in Xabi Alonso’s first league game in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues caught the eye in their 3-2 win over Fulham in their opening game, with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro particularly impressive as the Alonso era got off to an encouraging start. It has raised hopes that a title challenge may not be out of the question – particularly with Emiliano Martinez brought in from Aston Villa and perhaps in line to solve Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes. His Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez is expected to be left out today, though, with Manchester City keen on the World Cup winner.
A tough test is never far away in the top flight, though, and Chelsea’s first home game is against a Brighton side who dismantled Aston Villa in a 4-0 win in their opener. A midweek Conference League play-off success has further buoyed morale for the south-coast club – can they claim a significant success at Stamford Bridge this afternoon?
Follow all of the latest from the Premier League clash with our live blog below:
Inside the Premier League’s wild spending spree: ‘£100m is the new baseline’
It’s been a pretty mad transfer summer, all told, with the Premier League appearing to operate in a market all of its own. Miguel Delaney examines the spending spree:
Xabi Alonso wants players with ‘desire to play’ amid Enzo Fernandez speculation
Xabi Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire to play” for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of the squad for Thursday’s win over Luton.
Chelsea outline new Enzo Fernandez stance amid Man City interest
Chelsea had long been open to business for a £120m fee for the Argentina international in what was already a complicated saga, but it is understood that no longer applies, partly due to how summer market valuations have risen.
One of the higher prices was the £116m fee City themselves paid to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson this summer, and it now appears they would have to greatly increase on that club record to secure Fernandez.
Enzo Fernandez set to be left out of Chelsea squad
Has Enzo Fernandez played his last game for Chelsea? Reports suggest that the Argentina midfielder is set to be left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad today.
Chelsea vs Brighton LIVE
After an encouraging start for Chelsea at near neighbours Fulham, Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first home Premier League game with Brighton the visitors to Stamford Bridge.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side were impressive victors against Aston Villa in their opener – can they trouble a team plenty are tipping for a title challenge?
