Chelsea predicted XI vs Brighton as new-look Blues kick-off Premier League campaign

Chelsea begin the 2020/21 Premier League season with fresh optimism and plenty of new faces as they travel to Brighton on Monday night.

The Blues managed to hold off late challenges to secure fourth spot last season but have bigger ambitions for this campaign after a busy transfer window saw them splurge over £200million.

Sadly for boss Frank Lampard, several of his new additions are unavailable for their season curtain raiser at the Amex Stadium.

Hakim Ziyech - who was first through the door this summer for Chelsea - suffered a knock against the same opponents in a friendly and has been ruled out.

Meanwhile Thiago Silva is yet to train with The Blues while £50million left-back Ben Chilwell is still working towards full match fitness.

Timo Werner scored in the friendly with Brighton a fortnight ago and is expected to lead the line for his new side.

The German striker will be flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and fellow new boy Kai Havertz in attack.

Christian Pulisic will likely have to make do with a role as a substitute though after only just recovering from an injury sustained in the FA Cup final.

Get the latest Chelsea transfer news straight into your inbox!

Sign up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter!

From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox.

Chelsea have been active this summer, signing Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.

However, one player who continues to be linked with the Blues is West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.

Put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta will join him on the bench after picking up an injury in that game too, which gives Reece James a chance to start at right-back.

Chelsea are still yet to wrap up a deal for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy which will allow Kepa Arrizabalaga one final opportunity to impress between the sticks.

Who will win between Chelsea and Brighton? Have your say below.

Lampard will also be without midfielder Mateo Kovacic who is suspended after collecting a fifth booking in the cup final.

N'golo Kante is fit though after a difficult campaign last season dogged with injuries, and should start the match alongside Mason Mount and Jorginho in Chelsea's midfield three.

Chelsea predicted XI: Kepa; James, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Mount; Havertz, Werner, Hudson-Odoi.

* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip