Chelsea seem to be finding their rhythm under manager Enzo Maresca, having picked up 10 points from their opening five league games (W3, L1, D1).
The Blues have won three of their last four Premier League outings, including an impressive 3-0 victory over West Ham in their latest fixture.
However, they will need to overcome a two-match winless streak at home (D1, L1) as they welcome an unbeaten Brighton side to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Form:
Chelsea have started to show signs of cohesion and fluidity, especially in recent matches.
After a slow start to the season, Maresca’s men have gained momentum, with their latest victory coming in emphatic fashion at West Ham.
Yet, their home form remains a concern, as they’ve only managed one win in their last four top-flight encounters against Brighton at Stamford Bridge (D2, L1).
Key player Enzo Fernandez will be looking to make an impact, having scored twice in this corresponding fixture last season.
Notably, Chelsea have won every match in which Fernandez has found the back of the net, making him a crucial player in their squad.
Brighton’s Form:
Brighton remain one of only four Premier League teams still unbeaten this season (W2, D3), and they will fancy their chances of earning a result in West London.
Despite three successive draws, the Seagulls have shown resilience, battling from behind in two of those games.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler will look to improve their away form, which has been a concern—Brighton have won just two of their last 15 league away games (D6, L7).
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh will be one to watch, as the new addition to their attack has shown promise despite having collected more yellow cards (2) than goal contributions (1 assist) so far this season.
Minteh will be eager to make a bigger impact in this crucial matchup.
Key Stats:
– Brighton have struggled on the road, with just two wins in their last 15 away Premier League games.
– Chelsea have won three times against Brighton across league and cup last season, but their recent home league form against the Seagulls is less impressive (W1, D2, L1).
Players to Watch:
– Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea):
Fernandez was pivotal in this fixture last season, scoring twice.
His presence in the midfield will be crucial, as his goal-scoring form often correlates with Chelsea victories.
– Yankuba Minteh (Brighton):
Minteh’s creativity and pace have added flair to Brighton’s attack, and he will be eager to open his Premier League goal account.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 : Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Brighton: 4-2-3-1 ; Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Heckle, Dunk, Estupinan; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Brighton
Where to watch:
United States: Peacock, SiriusXM FC
Canada: fuboTV Canada, Amazon
India: Disney+Hotstar App and Website
China: iQiyiMiguQQ Sports Live
Australia: Optus Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion:
Chelsea will be aiming to continue their winning streak and solidify their position near the top of the table, while Brighton will look to maintain their unbeaten status.
Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but Chelsea’s home advantage and the form of key players like Enzo Fernandez may just give them the edge.
Brighton, however, should not be underestimated, as their fighting spirit and organized play under Hürzeler could make this a tightly contested affair.
