Although Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season is over, it’s not all doom and gloom around Stamford Bridge.
Last time out in the Premier League, the Blues beat reigning champions Manchester City 2-0, which ended their unbeaten start to the season.
And since then, Maurizio Sarri’s side have earned a 2-2 draw in Hungary against MOL Vidi, a game in which a lot of young players got an opportunity.
As they return to Premier League action, a tough away trip to face Brighton awaits them.
Brighton have lost just one of their last ten Premier League home games, although last time out, they lost 1-0 at Burnley.
So, as the Blues travel to the South coast, let’s have a look at some of Chelsea’s selection decisions:
Hazard to start as lone striker?
In the win over Manchester City, Eden Hazard was deployed as Chelsea’s central striker.
Although it is his less-favoured position, Hazard played very well and could play there on Sunday.
Alvaro Morata picked up a knee injury against MOL Vidi whilst Olivier Giroud came off the bench to score.
It may not be what Hazard prefers, but the Belgian may have to get used to playing up front on his own.
Loftus-Cheek to replace Kovacic?
Mateo Kovacic limped off in the win over Manchester City, and missed the trip to Hungary in the Europa League.
The Croatian has been a favourite of Sarri since joining from Real Madrid, although he’s rotated his midfield a lot.
In his absence, England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could start ahead of Ross Barkley.
Barkley was in good former earlier in the season, but seems to have gone off the boil.
Predicted XI:
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