Brighton Focus: Chelsea’s centre-back gap tests Maresca and the Seagulls watch internal evolution
Chelsea must navigate Levi Colwill’s injury and search for a central defender.
The club’s position is straightforward: there are no suitable defenders on the market and, in any case, it is up to Maresca to find internal solutions.
Enzo Maresca can call upon Josh Acheampong, who performed well against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.
The 19-year-old started with Colwill’s long-term absence complicated by Tosin Adarabioyo’s minor injury.
Adarabioyo may return for Friday night at West Ham but there is a case to give Acheampong another chance next to Trevoh Chalobah.
Acheampong, who counts Manchester City as one of his suitors, stood up to Jean Philippe Mateta in the goalless draw with Palace.
It is worth having another look at whether he can cope as the central centre-back when Chelsea morph into a back three in possession.
Replacing Colwill’s line-breaking passes will not be easy but Maresca has options.
For Brighton observers, this is a reminder of how depth and adaptability matter under De Zerbi, as his system relies on flexible defenders who can function in back three shapes and maintain incisive passing lines.
West Ham v Chelsea, Friday 8pm (all times BST)
Manchester City v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm
Brentford v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm
Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm
Brighton supporters will be watching how Chelsea’s defensive depth develops, knowing De Zerbi’s Seagulls prize systems that reward compact structure and rapid transitions.
The Chelsea scenario also throws into relief how rival clubs approach squad management when injuries mount, a theme that informs Brighton’s own planning as De Zerbi continues to refine his approach to ball progression, pressing triggers, and positional discipline.
And yes, even Palace will keep an eye on Chelsea’s backline churn, though Brighton’s internal evolution remains the bigger narrative as the season unfolds.
- Chelsea faces a depth test at centre-back with Levi Colwill out, forcing internal options to step up.
- Acheampong’s development is under close watch as he covers central defence in a back three shape.
- For Brighton, the episode underscores the value of depth and tactical flexibility within De Zerbi’s system as the Seagulls push their own evolution.
Levi Colwill
Chelsea