Chelsea aim to extend their winning streak to four consecutive matches in all competitions as they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Blues have secured clean sheets in each of their last three games in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Chelsea’s Saturday opponents should not be underestimated. Brighton remains unbeaten in the current Premier League season and recently played an exciting 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the AMEX last weekend.
Chelsea vs Brighton: Preview
Chelsea started the 2024/25 season with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City, leading many to doubt Enzo Maresca’s abilities and question the West London club’s decision to dismiss Mauricio Pochettino. However, the Italian manager has since led his team to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League while maintaining an unbeaten record in the Premier League.
Brighton remain unbeaten in the 2024/25 season. Fabian Hurzeler has made an impact in the early weeks, despite the results not always being favorable. The Seagulls have not won their last three Premier League matches, resulting in a drop to seventh place in the standings. Nevertheless, the indications have been encouraging so far this season.
Chelsea vs Brighton: Match Details
Match: Brighton @ Chelsea
Date & Time: September 28, 2024 at 3 pm UK
Stadium: Stamford Bridge Stadium
Chelsea vs Brighton: Team News & Head-to-Head
Chelsea
Chelsea are still managing without captain Reece James, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. However, Maresca has confirmed that Romeo Lavia is now available for selection after recovering from a thigh issue.
Following 11 changes made in midweek, Maresca is expected to return to a lineup similar to the one that defeated West Ham last weekend, although Malo Gusto might keep his position at right-back after returning from injury to play the first half against Barrow.
Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer are anticipated to be brought back into midfield, while Nicolas Jackson—described as “the full package” by Hurzeler—is set to take over from hat-trick hero Nkunku in the attack, joining wingers Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke.
Brighton
For Brighton, Hurzeler has confirmed that Joao Pedro will miss the match due to a knock sustained in the final moments of last weekend’s draw with Forest. Additionally, Matt O’Riley, Solly March, and James Milner remain sidelined with injuries. On a positive note, Yasin Ayari is available to return after missing the last game due to illness, and summer signing Brajan Gruda may also rejoin the matchday squad after recovering from an unspecified issue.
Midfielder Mats Wieffer will be looking to reclaim a spot in the starting XI, competing with either Hinshelwood or Carlos Baleba, while fellow new recruit Yankuba Minteh will vie with Simon Adingra for a starting position on the right wing. With Pedro out, club-record signing Georginio Rutter is set to take on an advanced role behind central striker Danny Welbeck.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea defeated Brighton twice in the league last season, breaking a streak of five Premier League matches without a win against the Seagulls. Brighton has lost only one of their last four Premier League away games against Chelsea. In both league encounters last season, Chelsea had a player sent off but still managed to win both matches. The Blues have secured eight victories in their last ten Premier League outings. However, Chelsea has yet to earn a win at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this season.
Possible Starting Lineup
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
Chelsea vs Brighton: Prediction
Saturday’s match features two teams competing for a top-four finish, with the race for fourth place wide open. Chelsea, only three points behind Manchester City, must focus on one game at a time despite their higher ambitions. Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion seek to return to winning ways after three straight draws in the Premier League. Chelsea’s vulnerable defense could offer opportunities for Brighton, but the Seagulls also have defensive frailties.
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