Team News: Xabi Alonso starts new signing in goal and makes full back decision in midfield

Chelsea has unveiled their starting lineup for the upcoming Premier League match against Brighton. The team announcement includes several notable choices. Emi Martinez will be the goalkeeper, moving up from the bench to start in goal. Robert Sanchez is absent from the squad. Wesley Fofana returns from suspension and will join Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill in the back line.

At the wing backs position, Pedro Neto and Jorrel Hato are set to play. Wesley Fofana is absent after starting in the midweek match. Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia appear to form a double pivot in midfield. Moises Caicedo is available for the bench. The attacking lineup features a first-choice front three consisting of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers, and Cole Palmer.

The choice to start Gusto in midfield over Valentin Barco, who performed well the previous match, is somewhat puzzling. The team's formation in midfield has been questioned, with Barco's strong performance in the previous game standing out. Following this, Chelsea is negotiating the loan of Mykhailo Mudryk, but the destination of the player remains uncertain.

Chelsea is also nearing a deal to sign a midfield replacement for Enzo Fernandez, with Lamine Camara advancing as a potential signing. Notably, Xabi Alonso played Cole Palmer for the entire 90 minutes during Chelsea's recent match against Luton Town, which was surprising to many observers.