Brighton and Chelsea meet for the second time live in just six days, with both sides eager to make a statement in the Premier League.
Historically, Chelsea have dominated Brighton, winning 67% of their away games against the Seagulls.
Follow the match in the live blog below.
Team News
Chelsea
- Out: Nicolas Jackson (hamstring), Marc Guiu (muscle injury).
- Doubtful: None.
- Available: Reece James returns to the squad.
Brighton
- Out: Jason Steele, Pervis Estupinan, James Milner.
- Doubtful: Lewis Dunk (rib injury).
Match Preview
Chelsea need a response after their FA Cup exit against Brighton last weekend. With key injuries, Enzo Maresca must rely on Christopher Nkunku to lead the attack.
Brighton, despite their inconsistency, have proven they can upset top teams, especially at home.
Lineups
Brighton: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Webster, Lamptey, Baleba, Hinshelwood, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck (C),
Substitutes: Adingra, Gómez, O’Riley, Rushworth, Ayari, Wieffer, João Pedro, Gruda, Cashin
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c); Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Nkunku
Substitutes: Sanchez, Acheampong, Tosin, Anselmino, James, Amougou, Dewsbury-Hall, Sancho, George
Key Stats
- Chelsea have recovered from losing positions in seven games this season, second only to Liverpool.
- Benedict Palmer has scored 36 Premier League goals for Chelsea, one shy of breaking into the club’s top 10.
- Brighton have conceded 38 goals from 273 shots this season, one of the worst defensive records.
Prediction
With Brighton struggling defensively and Chelsea desperate to maintain their top-four push, expect a tightly contested match. Chelsea’s quality in attack could be the difference but Brighton being at home might just be enough to tip the game in their favour.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
