Brighton v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Brighton host Chelsea at the AMEX on Saturday as Graham Potter returns to his former club. The Blues are unbeaten in nine matches since the Englishman took charge at Chelsea whilst the Seagulls are winless since Roberto de Zerbi was appointed. These sides have drawn four of their last five meetings.

Brighton Form

Brighton had 13 points from six matches at the start of the season before Graham Potter departed. They have since picked up just two points in five matches since Italian coach Roberto de Zerbi took over. His first match saw a fine 3-3 draw at Anfield in which they led 2-0.

Three games without scoring followed that thriller: a 1-0 home loss to Tottenham, a 2-0 defeat at Brentford, and a disappointing 0-0 home draw with bottom-placed Nottingham Forest. This their last match, the Seagulls were beaten 3-1 at Man City.

Brighton Team News

The Seagulls saw Joel Veltman go off injured at Man City and will do a late fitness test to see if the Dutchman is available. Should he miss out, then it could see a switch to a back four with Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupian coming into the XI as fullbacks.

Adam Lallana went off at halftime against Man City as a precaution and remains doubtful for this match. Billy Gilmour will hope for some minutes against his former club in central midfielder. De Zerbi has not changed much since taking over but may finally move to his preference formation in this one.

Brighton Motivation

Motivation from the players and the crowd will be big as they’d love to finally beat Chelsea and their former coach Potter.

De Zerbi’s side are attacking and get plenty of bodies forward so don’t expect Brighton to play for a draw in this match.

Chelsea Form

Graham Potter has overseen nine matches and Chelsea are unbeaten with six wins and three draws in his rein so far. After a draw in his first match at the helm, five successive wins followed including home and away victories against Milan.

After a 2-0 win at the San Siro, a fortunate 2-0 victory at Aston Villa followed before a 0-0 draw at Brentford. Chelsea then squandered a 1-0 lead at home to Man Utd by conceding an equaliser in injury time. They got back to winning way in midweek by winning 2-1 at Salzburg to ensure they top their Champions League group.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea will be without Wesley Fofana and Reece James in defence for this match. N’Golo Kante remains absent in midfield. Graham Potter will hope to have Kalidou Koulibaly available again in defence to boost options. Ben Chilwell and Cesar Azpilicueta could both start this one in the wingback areas.

Mason Mount is set for a recall in attack after a rest in midweek whilst Kai Havertz is hoping to play up front after a goal against Salzburg. Ruben Loftus-Cheek should start in midfield after only appearing as a substitute on Tuesday.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea have topped their Champions League group so have a dead rubber in midweek. Therefore, all focus can be on beating Brighton.

Graham Potter will be eager to win at his former employers and won’t settle for a draw at any point in this match.

Key Stats

Brighton are winless in 5 matches since De Zerbi took over (L3, D2)

Brighton have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 matches

Brighton are winless in 10 PL matches against Chelsea (L6)

Chelsea are 9 matches unbeaten under Potter (W6, D3)

Chelsea have drawn their last 3 PL matches against Brighton

Chelsea have seen under 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Brighton (comps)

Verdict

This match should be good to watch with the Potter storyline. Brighton are not at their best right now but often frustrates Chelsea. I can see a tight match with the Blues nicking the three points.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 2.45
Alternative Bet: Chelsea Win/Draw double chance + under 3.5 goals at 1.86
Correct Score Tip: Brighton 0-1 Chelsea at 7.50