Chelsea host bogey side Brighton today in their first Premier League home game of the season. Xabi Alonso has made an encouraging start to life as new Blues manager, overseeing wins over Fulham and Luton is opening two matches in charge, though a much sterner test is expected this afternoon as Brighton have won the last four meetings between the sides, including a league double last season.
Enzo Fernandez is set to miss out once again as he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City before transfer Deadline Day. Robert Sanchez's performance in the win over Fulham could see him left out for a second time this week, while Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck facing their former clubs will provide an interesting sub-plot in west London.
The visitors could hand debuts to summer signings Promise David and Jaouen Hadjam, though Jack Hinshelwood – the two-goal hero from the 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa – is doubtful with a minor issue. Follow Chelsea vs Brighton LIVE below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Oli Gent at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will debut a new front-of-shirt sponsor during their Premier League match against Brighton on Sunday.
The Blues announced on Friday a link-up with Circle Internet Group, Inc, who have become the club’s principal partner and new shirt sponsors for the 2026/27 season.
The partnership will see Circle and USDC brands feature on the front of Chelsea’s shirts across their men’s, women’s and academy teams, beginning for Xabi Alonso’s men’s side with their Premier League fixture against Brighton at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
‘USDC by Circle’ will be written in gold lettering across the front of Chelsea’s latest blue home strip, matching the colouring of their club crest and the Nike manufacturers’ logo, as well as the central Club World Cup winners’ badge that they continue to wear this season.
David Datro Fofana and Caleb Wiley have become the latest players to leave Chelsea before the transfer deadline.
The Blues have been focused on trimming their large first-team squad before the summer window closes for business at 11pm BST on Tuesday night (September 1).
Standard Sport understands that striker Fofana has now sealed a move to Swiss side Servette FC, while left-back Wiley has joined Preston.
Fofana’s is a permanent transfer worth an initial €2.5million (£2.1m) plus a further €1m (£856,000) in add-ons, while Wiley heads back to the Championship on a season-long loan.
Chelsea have identified Lamine Camara as a possible replacement for Manchester City target Enzo Fernandez.
Standard Sport understands the Blues are considering making an opening offer for the Monaco midfielder, and remain interested in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Camara is understood to be open to a Premier League move this summer.
The Senegal star has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and was the subject for a rejected bid, worth around £43million, from Crystal Palace earlier in the summer.
