Chelsea will host Brighton at this weekend, with both sides eager to put recent frustrations behind them, The Blues saw their unbeaten start to the Premier League come to an end after losing 2-1at Old Trafford last weekend,while the Seagulls are still searching for momentum after starting the season poorly, Softfootball reports.
Enzo Maresca’s men were outclassed in a dramatic clash against Manchester United, suffering their first league defeat of the season. However,its safe to say that Stamford Bridge has been a fortress for the blues in recent months.
They are unbeaten in their last 12 home league outings, with a defence that has proven to be very conistent, keeping seven clean sheets in their last nine games at home, including three in a row. getting another cleansheet here would make it four straight clean sheets at home for the london club.
Brighton, meanwhile, continue to stutter under Fabian Hürzeler. A 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham saw them squander a 2-0 lead, leaving the Seagulls with just five points from their opening five games ,their worst Premier League start in six years.
Even though they hit Barnsley for six in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, doubts remain, especially after back-to-back away league defeats at Everton and Bournemouth. SoftFootball understands Hürzeler is urging his players to show more consistency if they are to live up to the expectations from fans.
Chelsea and Brighton have produced entertaining affairs in recent years, and this fixture has rarely been short of goals. Chelsea have won each of their last three home meetings with the Seagulls, with at least three goals scored in the last eight meetings between this clubs .
Team News
Chelsea could turn to Marc Cucurella against his former club. The defender has been lively in recent weeks, registering two goal contributions across his last seven appearances . Interestingly, all eight of his Chelsea goals have come at Stamford Bridge. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez is also back from suspension to face Brighton. Long-term injuries keep Levi Colwill and Liam Delap sidelined.
For chelsea, they have come a long way especially with building and giving young academy graduates a chance to prove themseves, Reece James the Chelsea current captain is one of the few Cobhams graduate that has truly created unforgettable scenes and history with the club. Chelsea via its official X handle, decided to celebrate the very day the Chelsea captain made his debut by posting an exclusive video of all his goals for the club, see video below;
For Brighton, Yasin Ayari will be one to watch after scoring in their last Premier League outing. His record when scoring is impressive – he’s unbeaten across his last eight goalscoring appearances . However, the visitors remain without Adam Webster, Jack Hinshelwood and Solly March, who are long-term absentees.
Possible lineups
Chelsea possible starting XI: Sánchez; James, Tosin, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Pedro N, Estevao, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Brighton possible starting XI: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
Meanwhile, Brighton as had a rough start to the premier league season, but away from premier league action, the seagulls put eight past a third league tier Barnsley, this could be the motivating and turning the point the team needs to get back on track.
Brighton via its official X handle, posted the highlights of striker diego gomez four goals on the night, a feat they would be hoping the striker replicates this weekend as they prepare to take on Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge, see highlight video below;
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Chelsea’s defensive solidity at home and Brighton’s inconsistency on the road suggest the hosts should have the upper hand. but expect alot of goalsas both team will be willing to go all out. cheleas clean sheets at home could finally be broken.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Brighton
