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Chelsea team news vs Brighton: Predicted line up – Sarri to drop star man, Hudson-Odoi in
CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri may be tempted to ring the changes for the Blues' upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton on Wednesday (7.45pm).
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Sarri is expected to shuffle his pack as Chelsea look to stay in contention for a top four finish and secure Champions League football next season.
The Blues picked up a vital 2-1 win away at Cardiff on Sunday, with late goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek required to break down the stubborn Bluebirds defence.
And Sarri may look to freshen up his squad after such a limp performance, meaning a number of star players are in danger of dropping to the bench.
Gonzalo Higuain is the player most obviously at risk, with the Argentine ineffective when compared to his replacement Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman should get the nod in attack, supported by Eden Hazard after the Chelsea talisman came on as a substitute to change the game at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Pedro was poor at the Cardiff City Stadium and could find himself missing out in favour of Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Sarri revealed that the teenager would start two or three of Chelsea’s upcoming matches but left the youngster on the bench in Wales.
Willian is another option, having been the best of a lacklustre attack, although the Brazilian may be rested with a hectic schedule coming up.
In midfield, Loftus-Cheek will hope to earn a rare start instead of Mateo Kovacic following his last-gasp winner against Cardiff.
The England international is expected to be preferred to Ross Barkley while N’Golo Kante should come back into the starting XI.
Emerson Palmieri is likely to replace the underperforming Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen could come into central defence for David Luiz or Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League, a point behind Manchester United and Tottenham while the Blues sit 19 points behind table-toppers Liverpool.
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Chelsea predicted line-up vs Brighton & Hove Albion – Premier League
(4-3-3): Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Palmieri; Jorginho, Kante, Loftus-Cheek; Hudson-Odoi, Hazard, Giroud