Brighton and Chelsea will lock horns at the Amex Stadium on Friday night in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown. Just days after their FA Cup encounter, both teams will be eager to secure all three points as they aim to strengthen their positions in the league table.
Brighton’s Recent Form
Brighton have experienced a mixed run of form under new manager Fabian Hurzeler. After a promising start, the Seagulls have struggled for consistency, suffering defeats to Everton and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. However, they bounced back with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup, which will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into this match.
Despite their ups and downs, Brighton remain a dangerous side, especially at home. They’ll be looking to replicate their October 2022 Premier League triumph over Chelsea, where they secured a 4-1 win at the Amex.
Chelsea’s Momentum
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, has shown signs of progress this season. However, their recent FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton has raised questions about their consistency. Sitting just three points above seventh-placed Bournemouth, the Blues cannot afford to drop points if they want to maintain their position in the top half of the table.
The reverse fixture saw Chelsea dominate Brighton with a 4-1 victory, thanks to a stunning four-goal performance from Cole Palmer. Maresca will be hoping for a similar display as his team looks to avenge their FA Cup defeat.
Team News and Tactics
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s injury list continues to grow, with captain Lewis Dunk a major doubt after suffering a rib injury in the FA Cup clash. Mats Wieffer is also facing a late fitness test, while Jason Steele, Igor Julio, Pervis Estupiñán, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, and Solly March remain sidelined.
Hurzeler is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Bart Verbruggen will start in goal, with Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, and Tariq Lamptey forming the backline. Carlos Baleba and Diego Gomez will anchor the midfield, while Georginio Rutter operates as the number 10. Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma will provide width, with João Pedro leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, van Hecke, Webster, Lamptey; Baleba, Gomez; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Pedro
Chelsea
Chelsea’s injury woes continue, with Nicolas Jackson ruled out until April due to a hamstring injury. Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Omari Kellyman, and Marc Guiu are also unavailable, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended.
Maresca is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Filip Jorgensen will start in goal, with Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella forming the defense. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will control the midfield, with Cole Palmer as the playmaker. Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho will provide width, while Christopher Nkunku leads the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku
Key Stats
- Chelsea are on a three-match winning streak against Brighton in the Premier League.
- Brighton’s only win in their last nine Premier League meetings with Chelsea was a 4-1 victory in October 2022.
- Brighton have scored in their last seven Premier League games against Chelsea but have kept just one clean sheet in 15 encounters.
- Chelsea are winless in their last four away Premier League games, scoring just 0.5 goals per match during this run.
- Brighton have won only two of their last 12 Premier League matches (D6 L4).
Player to Watch: Christopher Nkunku
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined, Christopher Nkunku has a golden opportunity to establish himself as Chelsea’s main striker. The French forward has shown glimpses of his quality this season and will be eager to make a significant impact against Brighton. His movement, finishing, and link-up play could be crucial for Chelsea’s chances.
Brighton vs ChelseaPrediction
This promises to be a closely contested match, with both teams desperate for a win. Brighton’s home advantage and recent FA Cup victory will give them confidence, but Chelsea’s attacking firepower and determination to bounce back could prove decisive.
Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
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