An in-form Chelsea host one of the four unbeaten teams left in the Premier League on Saturday as Brighton visit Stamford Bridge.
After a poor pre-season and opening weekend defeat to the champions, Enzo Maresca’s Blues have gone on a four-game unbeaten run to sit fifth in the league table after five games.
Chelsea’s confident start to the campaign continued with a 3-0 defeat at West Ham last week and 5-0 blow from Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Brighton progressed to the fourth round of the aforementioned competition the previous week when they beat Wolves 3-2. The Seagulls are no strangers to fast starts in the Premier League, but Fabian Hurzeler will know his side must be at their best to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season this weekend.
Hurzeler’s side were held in check by counter-attacking specialists Nottingham Forest at the Amex last weekend.
here it is 90 minutes Saturday preview Premier League shock
Chelsea vs Brighton H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Chelsea |
Brighton |
|---|---|
|
Chelsea 5-0 Barrow – 24/09/24 |
Brighton 2-2 Nottingham Forest – 22/09/24 |
|
West Ham – Chelsea 0-3 – 21/09/24 |
Brighton 3-2 Wolves – 18/09/24 |
|
Bournemouth – Chelsea 0-1 – 14/09/24 |
Brighton – Ipswich Town 0-0 – 14/09/24 |
|
Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace – 01/09/24 |
Arsenal 1-1 Brighton – 31/08/24 |
|
Servette 2-1 Chelsea – 29/08/24 |
Brighton 4-0 Crawley – 27/08/24 |
|
country |
TV channel/live broadcast |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
Talksport 2 Radio (not televised) |
|
united states |
royal peacock |
|
canada |
fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada |
Chelsea’s large squad allowed Maresca to make wholesale changes to his starting eleven against Barrow and the Italian should return to the team that defeated West Ham last weekend. That means Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke will lead the Blues’ front line against the Seagulls.
Malo Gusto returned from injury on Tuesday night and is in contention to return to the Premier League XI on Saturday. Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Romeo Lavia is unlikely to appear with a thigh problem.
Chelsea predicted line-up against Brighton (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Once it has limited Joao Pedro lately and Hurzeler confirmed that the Brazilian has not recovered in time to face Chelsea on Saturday
Pedro remains on the sidelines along with newcomer Matt O’Riley, Solly March and veteran James Milner.
Brajan Gruda has missed the start of the 2024/25 season with an unspecified injury, but the summer arrival could finally be part of Brighton’s matchday squad this weekend. Yasin Ayari should also return to action after recovering from illness.
Brighton predicted line-up against Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Bridge; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Stupinan; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Chelsea are looking for a fourth straight win in all competitions, while Brighton are looking to go six games without a win at the start of a top-flight season for the first time. what will it give
The Seagulls have shown some vulnerabilities in recent outings and the absence of Joao Pedro looms large despite Brighton’s collection of dynamic attackers. The speed and dynamism of the visitors can trouble the home side, but the confidence with which Maresca’s side are currently playing makes it difficult to bet against them.
The Chelsea manager has shown pragmatism and adaptability at the start of his reign in west London, with the Blues emerging as a dangerous counter-attacking force under the Italian. Brighton may enjoy more of the ball, but the hosts are likely to have plenty of success in transition en route to a hard-fought win.
