Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge aiming to rebound from their first league defeat of the campaign, a chaotic 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Despite that setback, Enzo Maresca’s men remain formidable at home, where they’re unbeaten in 12 Premier League games (W9, D3).
A watertight defence has been at the heart of that success, with the Blues recording seven clean sheets in their last nine home league matches, including three in succession.
Another shutout here would see Chelsea secure four consecutive home clean sheets for the first time since March 2021.
Brighton, meanwhile, continue to search for rhythm under Fabian Hürzeler.
Their last league outing was a bitter pill to swallow, as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Tottenham.
That left the Seagulls with just five points from their opening five matches, their worst top-flight start in six years.
Even a morale-boosting 6-0 Carabao Cup win over Barnsley hasn’t erased concerns, especially after consecutive away league defeats at Everton and Bournemouth.
The German coach knows his side need greater consistency if they are to live up to their billing as top-six contenders.
Head-to-Head History
Chelsea have held the upper hand at Stamford Bridge in recent meetings, winning their last three home H2Hs in all competitions.
Goals have flowed when these sides meet, with at least three goals scored in seven of the last eight clashes.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Chelsea have scored in 19 of their last 20 Premier League home matches.
- The Blues have won their last eight league games when scoring first.
- Brighton have seen goals in both halves in 12 of their last 13 league outings.
- The Seagulls have managed just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League fixtures.
Key Players to Watch
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): Facing his former club, the Spaniard has been quietly effective, contributing to two goals in his last eight appearances (G1, A1). Remarkably, all eight of his Chelsea goals have come at Stamford Bridge.
- Yasin Ayari (Brighton): The midfielder found the net against Spurs and has proven to be something of a good-luck charm, with his teams unbeaten in the last eight games he’s scored (W5, D3).
Team News
- Chelsea: Cole Palmer joins Levi Colwill and Liam Delap on the injury list, while Robert Sánchez is back from suspension and ready to face his old club.
- Brighton: Adam Webster, Jack Hinshelwood, and Solly March remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Potential Lineups
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 1 Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Estevao, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro.
Brighton: 4-2-3-1 – Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gomez, Mitoma; Rutter.
Where to Watch
United Kingdom: The Game Will Not Be Shown Live in The UK
United States: Peacock
Canada: Fubo
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports
Conclusion
Chelsea’s strong home form and defensive solidity make them favourites, especially against a Brighton side struggling to put complete performances together.
While the Seagulls carry attacking threat, Chelsea will be surely be confident of securing three points at home and will play the game with extra motivation to silence critics.
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton.
