Chelsea lineup vs. Brighton: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Blues make Reece James decision

Reece James is set to return to the lineup for Chelsea's Premier League away meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday.

Enzo Maresca's side will travel to the Amex Stadium for the second time in six days after falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Saturday's FA Cup clash.

James was missing from the matchday squad as Chelsea gave up an early lead to crash out in the fourth round of the cup.

Maresca revealed that James was left out with a view to managing his workload, indicating that he should be ready to feature against Brighton.

Nicolas Jackson also missed the FA Cup tie at the weekend, and the Senegal international is now expected to be out for around six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Filip Jorgensen could return to the Chelsea goal to start a second straight Premier League game after dropping down to the bench for the recent cup fixture.

James and Marc Cucurella should feature in right and left-back respectively, while Levi Colwill could return to the backline to partner Tosin Adarabioyo in central defence, which would see Trevoh Chalobah move to the bench.

Enzo Fernandez will come back into the starting lineup to reform his central midfield partnership with Moises Caicedo.

Noni Madueke is pushing to get the nod over Pedro Neto on the right flank, with Jadon Sancho set to provide the attacking threat from the left wing.

Palmer, who will operate as the number 10, will be looking to replicate his heroics from the reverse Premier League fixture where he scored all four of Chelsea's goals in a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.

With Jackson sidelined, Christopher Nkunku could retain his place in the starting lineup, with the Frenchman looking to add to the 13 goals that he has scored this season.

Meanwhile, the Blues will be unable to call upon Marc Guiu, Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Omari Kellyman.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madeuke, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku

>Click here to see how Brighton could line up for this Premier League clash