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Chelsea FC have named their starting XI for the Premier League 2026-27 clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, with Emiliano Martinez handed an immediate debut following his move from Aston Villa. Xabi Alonso has also kept Cole Palmer in the attacking unit as the Blues look to make it three competitive wins in a row under their new head coach. Chelsea began their league campaign with victory at Fulham before overcoming Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea vs Brighton: Emiliano Martinez Makes Debut At Stamford Bridge
Emi Martinez goes straight into the Chelsea starting lineup vs Brighton after completing his transfer from Aston Villa. The Argentina international has signed a three-year contract with the Blues, with the reported transfer fee understood to be around £7.5 million.
The 33-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge with substantial Premier League experience, having made 256 appearances for Villa during a six-year spell. His arrival also gives Alonso an experienced option between the posts, with Robert Sanchez dropping out of the Chelsea starting XI.
Chelsea Starting XI vs Brighton
For the Chelsea vs Brighton clash, Xabi Alonso has set his line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Martinez protected by a three-man defence of Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana. Colwill wears the captain’s armband, while Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto provide width from the wing-back positions.
Romeo Lavia starts in midfield, with Pedro Neto also selected on the right side of the midfield structure. Further forward, Cole Palmer operates behind Joao Pedro alongside Morgan Rogers, giving Chelsea a technically gifted attacking trio.
Palmer remains one of Chelsea’s most influential creative players and has retained his place despite playing the full 90 minutes against Luton.
Chelsea Starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro