Chelsea head south on Saturday with Graham Potter, unbeaten so far, set to face former club Brighton for the first time since making the switch to Stamford Bridge seven weeks ago.
It has been a strenuous start for the Seagulls’ new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who will have faced each of last season’s top four in October, and is winless in all five outings so far.
A significant reason for the side from London’s recent success is the performance of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spaniard is averaging 4.2 saves per match with a success rate of 91%.
Brighton will look to break through Kepa’s defense with forward Leandro Trossard, who averages one shot on target per match while having netted six of the Seagulls’ 15 goals this season. However, they will need a larger effort from their own Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sánchez if they are going to earn a result against Chelsea.
Team News
Both Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman went off with minor injuries for Brighton at the Etihad last weekend, and while neither have been ruled out, they remain doubtful.
Kaoru Mitoma is back in full training with the side after missing the last two games, but this game could come too soon for the Japanese wide man.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s fitness will be assessed before the trip to the coast for Chelsea, as the defender missed the midweek Champions League encounter.
Koulibaly returned to training the day after the Salzburg game, but it is touch and go whether he will be fit enough here.
Mateo Kovacic was taken off as a precaution in midweek, feeling some discomfort in his calf, but he should be okay to be a part of the setup this weekend.
Kepa Arrizabalaga continues to keep Edouard Mendy out of the side in goal, having not put a foot wrong since he was drafted in following an injury to the Senegalese keeper early in the season.
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Serious injuries to N’Golo Kante, Reece James and Wesley Fofana mean that the trio will not play again until after the World Cup at the very least.
