On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, and manager Mauricio Pochettino will be expecting a response from his team.

Pochettino saw his team surrender in the second half of last Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle United from the stands. It was during this match when skipper Reece James was sent off for a second yellow card.

At St. James’ Park, Chelsea disappointed both the visiting supporters and themselves. If they lose to Brighton, who have won seven straight games across all competitions, they’ll probably finish the gameweek in the bottom half.

“It was a tough week for everyone,” reflected Pochettino. “I am very happy because they’ve reacted very well. When you watch the game, it was worse than my feelings after the game. I was tough with them inside and outside.”

In goal, Robert Sanchez will proceed. Malo Gusto is expected to miss out due to injury, and Marc Cucurella and Reece James are missing due to suspension. Pochettino is left with a choice at right back; Axel Disasi may come back to the team to cover for him.

Conor Gallagher will try to hold onto his spot in the midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, who is expected to play against his old team. Romeo Lavia is unlikely to make the squad, although he will try out in a late fitness test.

After suffering a knee injury, Christopher Nkunku is almost ready to rejoin the squad, but a last-minute choice on the France international will also be made.

Pochettino stated on Friday that he and Nkunku would need to be evaluated (on Saturday) before making a decision.

“They are close. But we need tomorrow to make the decision. Maybe Lavia is the more difficult, but we need to assess Christoph for tomorrow.”

Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling will be itching for another opportunity to spearhead Chelsea’s attack on Sunday.

Predicted Chelsea XI to face: Sanchez, Disasi, Badiashile, Silva, Colwill, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson, Palmer