Chelsea host Brighton with new goalkeeper Emi Martinez making his debut
Chelsea welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Sunday at 14:00 BST for a Premier League clash marking the debut of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, signed from Aston Villa.
New goalkeeper and Alonso's home bow
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first Premier League match at Stamford Bridge this season, facing Brighton & Hove Albion. He has overseen two wins since taking over this summer: 3-2 away at Fulham and 2-0 against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
The headline news before kick-off is the confirmation, made earlier that morning, of 33-year-old Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's move from Aston Villa. He goes straight into the starting line-up, replacing Robert Sanchez. According to the BBC, former Brighton striker Glenn Murray described the reported £7.5m fee as "exceptional business", noting that Chelsea's goalkeeping position has been an issue for a couple of seasons. Alonso said Sanchez's future at the club remains uncertain.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is also left out of the squad amid reported interest from Manchester City; Alonso commented cautiously, stressing the team's need for focus.
Line-ups
Chelsea start with: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill (captain); Neto, Gusto, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro. The bench includes former Brighton players Danny Welbeck, Moises Caicedo and Valentin Barco.
Brighton, managed by young German coach Fabian Hurzeler, line up with Verbruggen in goal, a defence featuring Vuskovic, Dunk and Boscagli, and Kostoulas leading the attack.
Context
Both sides opened the season with wins. Chelsea produced a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory away at Fulham, while Brighton thrashed Aston Villa 4-0, a result aided by Villa playing over an hour with ten men after an early red card.
Much of the pre-match attention centres on Joao Pedro, a former Brighton forward who signed a new Chelsea contract until 2034 over the summer. As Fotbollskanalen reports, he is the only player in the league with ten or more goals from open play in the 2026 calendar year, and he scored just 32 seconds into the opening match against Fulham. The same source notes Chelsea have won nine of their last twelve home meetings with Brighton. Sky Sports' prediction for the match is a 3-1 Chelsea win.
