London Football notes that Alonso faces several challenges in Chelsea's starting lineup against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Less than 72 hours after Chelsea's League Cup second-round victory over Luton Town, Xabi Alonso must select a starting lineup for Sunday afternoon's Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chelsea has won their first two matches of the new season, but Sunday presents their biggest test yet. Brighton & Hove Albion are in red-hot form, having defeated Aston Villa 4-0 last weekend.

The Seagulls took a four-goal lead against a disorganized Villa before the half-time whistle. Alonso is very familiar with Fabian Hürzeler, having faced him numerous times during his time in the Bundesliga, and he clearly asked Brighton & Hove Albion to ease off in the second half.

Brighton & Hove Albion's away record at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea is quite impressive. The Seagulls have won all of their last four matches against the Blues in all competitions, both home and away.

This sets up a very tricky match for Alonso and his players on Sunday afternoon. That being said, Bobby Vincent and Jack Stokes discussed and debated how they would set up if they were in the manager's position, and they agreed on whether Enzo should play at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso switched to a back four when Chelsea defeated Luton Town, but I would prefer to switch to a back three when the Seagulls visit.

Robert Sanchez is clearly not in suitable condition to start. Emiliano Martinez will join from Aston Villa, but as of press time, it is unclear whether he will be registered in time for Sunday's match. If not, Penders should start in goal.

Although Wesley Fofana has returned from a two-match suspension, Josh Achampong should retain his position on the right side of the back three, partnering Lacroix and Colwill.

Pedro Neto could get an opportunity at right wing-back, as Marcos Alonso's physical condition remains questionable. I would lean towards Pippo Chavarría on the other side; he performed excellently against Luton Town.

Enzo should not be in the squad. If Moisés Caicedo is fit enough to face his former club, he should partner Reece James. The front three would be the deadly trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and João Pedro. This starting lineup is very exciting.

Bobby's starting XI: Penders; Achampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Reece James, Caicedo, Chavarría; Palmer, Rogers, Pedro

Alonso has an opportunity to set a benchmark when Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion. If the Blues can continue their form from the Luton Town match and decisively defeat Hürzeler's team on Sunday afternoon, the team will be full of confidence before facing Arsenal next week. Sanchez seems to have lost trust, and Martinez will move from Villa Park to Stamford Bridge to become the new number one goalkeeper, so Penders should continue in goal until then. Although he wasn't tested much against Luton Town, he performed well.

In defense, despite Fofana's return, Achampong deserves to continue as the right center-back. The 20-year-old defender performed excellently in the Frenchman's absence and fully deserves a key role in the team. In midfield, hopefully Caicedo will pass the fitness test later before the match and partner Reece James, but Lavia is also perfectly capable. Regardless of which team Enzo plays for after the deadline, he is unlikely to feature. The attack is now almost a no-brainer, but I would love to see more of Estevão Willian and Giovanni Queiroz, both of whom are exciting options from the bench. Enzo and Neto could be key players for Alonso, but with the transfer window still open, I don't think they will start against the Seagulls.

Predicted starting XI: Penders; Achampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Reece James, Caicedo, Hato; Palmer, Rogers, Pedro

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com