Chelsea host Brighton at Stamford Bridge in a huge Premier League clash.
Victory by a three-goal margin or higher would lift Chelsea to the summit of the Premier League, whilst Brighton will return to the summit with a win.
Team News
Wesley Fofana is available for Chelsea following completion of his suspension, which forced him to sit out their 3-2 league win at Fulham, then 2-0 Carabao Cup victory at home to Luton.
Moises Caicedo (knock) faces a late fitness test but Jordan Henderson (wrist) and Marco Palestra (knock) remain absent.
Brighton will be without Jack Hinshelwood after he suffered an ankle injury during training.
Georginio Rutter (knock) faces a late fitness test.
Yankuba Minteh (leg), Stefanos Tzimas (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) and Evan Ferguson (ankle) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea face Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 30 August at 2pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea have won just three of their last 11 league meetings against Brighton (W3, D3, L5).
- Brighton have lost just two of their last six visits to Chelsea (W2, D2, L2).
- Danny Welbeck scored three of Brighton’s six goals against Chelsea last season, but this summer he moved to the West London club.
- Chelsea have won just one of their last seven league matches at home (W1, D2, L4).
- Brighton are yet to concede in all competitions this season (W2, D1).
Prediction
For all of their clinical attacking quality in their opening league win over Fulham, Chelsea’s defensive fragility remained a huge concern but they addressed that with a comfortably dominant cup win over Luton, so this is a test of whether it’s genuine or down to the difference in quality.
Brighton meanwhile might of began their season with a wasteful display away to Tromso in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Play-Off, but they have rebounded with a pair of 4-0 wins and confidence definitely should be high in a team which has adapted well to losing key players this summer.
This game though is going to be a tough test of their credentials against Chelsea’s fierce firepower and Welbeck’s knowledge of their style, so I am expecting a good battle and as good as a draw would be I just think the hosts will be too strong.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton
Result: Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
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