Predicted XI: Maurizio Sarri picks attacking team to take on Brighton

Chelsea head to Brighton today to take on the Seagulls, and Maurizio Sarri has a few opportunities to mix the team up.

In defence we know who we’ll see. Kepa plays in goal after a rare week off, and the back four is very settled – Azpi, Luiz, Rudiger, Alonso.

In midfield the first two spots are very settled too – Kante and Jorginho are always certs to play. The third is one of the uncertain spots. Mateo Kovacic is the safe option, and the one that Sarri is odds on to pick – but both Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek offer more in attack, and will be sorely tempting him as options.

Up front, Eden Hazard and Pedro were the pair given a break in midweek, so presumably they step into the slots out wide of Olivier Giroud up front. There’s a chance that the Italian coach picks a false 9 again, but against a team that will sit deep, it seems unlikely.

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