Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first home Premier League fixture as Chelsea manager when the Blues welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Sunday 30 August, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm BST.

A flying start for both sides

Alonso's Chelsea opened their 2026/27 Premier League campaign in style, defeating West London rivals Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage. Cole Palmer — back to his sharpest — contributed a goal and an assist, while £117 million summer signing Morgan Rogers also got on the scoresheet.

Chelsea's ambition is clear: back-to-back opening victories for the first time since the 2021/22 season. £52 million defender Maxence Lacroix will also be keen to shine in front of the home faithful in his first league appearance at Stamford Bridge.

Danny Welbeck, who departed Brighton this summer, could feature having scored on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Luton Town on Thursday. Midfielder Moises Caicedo — another former Seagull — is carrying a knock and faces a fitness assessment.

Brighton arrive on the back of a perfect week

Even the most optimistic Brighton supporters would have struggled to predict the Seagulls' week. Fabian Hurzeler's side demolished Aston Villa 4-0, with all four goals arriving inside the first 31 minutes, to sit temporarily top of the Premier League table.

Brighton then carried that momentum into Europe on Thursday, hammering Norwegian outfit Tromso 4-0 to secure their place in the Conference League league phase. Belgian full-back Maxim De Cuyper scored in both matches, and Jack Hinshelwood struck twice in as many minutes against Villa — the Seagulls travel to London brimming with confidence.

Hurzeler does have injury concerns, however. Georginio Rutter and Matt O'Riley are doubts, and winger Yankuba Minteh is set to miss out entirely.

How and where to watch

In the United Kingdom, the match is live on Sky Sports Main Event. Fans in the United States can stream it on Peacock, while viewers in Australia can watch on Stan Sport.