Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
In an all-Premier League showdown on Saturday night, Brighton will welcome Chelsea will look to extend on their respective FA Cup adventures when they meet at the Amex.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, while Brighton might have stormed their way to a sensational 3-1 victory away at Manchester United last month, the Seagulls have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Putting in an infamous display last weekend as they slumped to a 7-0 drumming at the hands of Nottingham Forest, Fabian Hurtzler’s side have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats. Signing off January with a shock 1-0 loss at home against relegation scrappers Everton, the former St. Pauli boss is desperately seeking some much-needed stability. Almost sat in Premier League limbo, Brighton have also continued to show some glaring issues on home soil. Including a 3-1 loss against bitter rivals Crystal Palace on December 15th, the Seagulls have remarkably claimed just a single win from any of their previous eight showdowns at the Amex.
Brighton Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Brighton will once again be without the likes of Solly March, James Milner and Brazilian defender Igor. Likewise, once again missing out away at the City Ground last weekend, Ecuador international Pervis Estupinan will not feature here.
However, recently returning from another injury setback, former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley could be handed a full recall. Despite failing to find the net since the end of October, former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck should lead the line.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, mounting a second-half comeback against local rivals West Ham earlier in the week as they eventually dragged themselves to a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will be desperate to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. Finding a route back into the Champions League spots, Enzo Maresca’s side are looking to clinch consecutive domestic victories for the first time since the middle of December. With their sights set on mounting a genuine FA Cup charge this season, Chelsea will certainly be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. Landing an action-packed 4-2 victory when they welcomed Brighton to west London on September 28th, Maresca’s men have won each of their previous five meetings against the Seagulls by an aggregate score of 14-8.
Chelsea Team News
Still dealing with a long-term hamstring injury, French defender Wesley Fofana is not expected to feature over the remainder of the season. Likewise, once again missing out against West Ham on Monday night, former Manchester City starlet Romeo Lavia will play no part on Saturday night.
Losing his spot between the sticks on Monday, ex-Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could be handed an immediate recall. Recalled from his loan stint with Crystal Palace last month, Trevor Chalobah should start at the heart of Maresca’s defence.
Brighton vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- When Brighton and Chelsea last met back in September 28th, the Blues collected a dramatic 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
- In fact, Chelsea have won each of their previous five straight meetings against Brighton by an aggregate score of 14-8.
- The Seagulls have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight consecutive matchups at the Amex.
- Chelsea have failed to record a clean sheet from any of their previous seven meetings against Premier League opposition.
- Eight of the last nine meetings between Brighton and Chelsea have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Mounting a second-half comeback against local rivals West Ham on Monday night as they snatched a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will now be looking to find some recent stability. Landing an action-packed 4-2 victory when they welcomed Brighton to west London on September 28th, the Blues hold a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. In fact, Maresca’s side have won each of their previous five showdowns against the Seagulls by an aggregate score of 14-8. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, we are expecting a similar affair from the Amex.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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