Brighton v Chelsea: Preview, Team News and Predictions
Chelsea are on their travels once again, this time to the south coast as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion, on October 29th.
It will be Graham Potter’s first game back at the Amex from the opposition dugout, unbeknownst of the reception he’ll receive from his former admirers.
His Seagulls were in fourth place when he made the switch to Stamford Bridge but have only collected a couple of points from their last five matches and slipped to ninth.
Roberto De Zerbi has ensured Brighton continue to play attacking football from the outset but aren’t able to convert their chances; a lot like the beginning Potter had in the Premier League with them – lots of expected goals, much to be desired in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are on a nine-game unbeaten run under the English coach. Although yet to lose under his stewardship, the Blues will be keen on adding three points to their tally after two underwhelming draws against Brentford and Manchester United, respectively.
They haven’t lost to the Seagulls in their last 10 Premier League meetings, however, each of the last three have ended as draws.
On that note, we shall have a rundown of all you need to know ahead of Chelsea’s tussle against Brighton.
Team News
Brighton and Hove Albion
Jakub Moder and Kaoru Mitoma are out for a long period.
Former Chelsea man Tariq Lamptey could feature in the starting XI to offer that boost in transition, whereas young Billy Gilmour might make an appearance against the Blues off the bench.
Chelsea
Kalidou Koulibaly was missing against RB Salzburg due to a knee injury, and he’s surely going to miss out on this fixture. It’s the same scenario with Wesley Fofana, who’s on the treatment table for a knee strain.
Chelsea’s injury miseries pile up, as key players Reece James and N’Golo Kante are not going to be seen in a Blues shirt until after the World Cup.
Kovacic, who’s always been in and out due to niggles, was taken off in the 2-1 win over Salzburg owing to a calf issue. He’s the fulcrum of this side as seen in the outstanding performance in midweek, and he’ll be dearly missed if he can’t make the cut.
Probable XI
Brighton and Hove Albion (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Lamptey, Dunk, Webster; March, Caicedo, Mac Allister, Trossard; Lallana, Gross; Welbeck
Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Kepa; Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz; Aubameyang
Match Prediction
Both sides are touted to create plenty of opportunities thanks to their attacking styles, and crucially, neither of them have been prolific.
Expect both teams to come out with that extra bit of motivation for this one, as Potter will want to continue building his impressive start, however, it’d be poetic if Brighton hand him his first defeat as Chelsea boss.
Chelsea do have that extra quality and with their defenders in prime form, they might edge this one out.
Predicted score: Brighton and Hove Albion 0-1 Chelsea
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Martin Arseth. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.