Chelsea vs Brighton Preview: Team News & Prediction
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These two clubs have built up a lot of similarities and a relationship off the pitch with both needing a bit of a performance in the Premier League this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Peacock
Chelsea preview: Shaky performances
Chelsea managed to overturn a deficit against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank in the third round of the EFL Cup in midweek. After the Imps led at half-time, the Blues turned things around thanks to goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte.
The Blues have been struggling for fluency and consistency this season after they struggled had a curtailed pre-season due to winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. They were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.
Brighton preview: Hurzeler’s Brighton
Brighton and Hove Albion come into this one on the back of a 6-0 demolition of League One side Barnsley at Oakwell in the third round of the EFL Cup in midweek, with Diego Gomez scoring four goals and a couple of remarkable strikes.
The Seagulls have started the Premier League season with just one victory in their opening five matches so far this season, having been pegged back by Tottenham Hotspur at the AMEX Stadium last weekend, having been 2-0 up.
Chelsea team news: Lots of issues
Enzo Maresca will be without Cole Palmer until after the October international break with Chelsea keen on ensuring the England international can regain full fitness after a shortened pre-season.
Compatriot Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to be sidelined for a similar period of time, whilst Wesley Fofana is unavailable for the Blues due to a concussion. Robert Sanchez is also now missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, James, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Estevao, Santos, Neto; Pedro
Unavailable: Sanchez (Suspended), darabioyo (Injured), Colwill (Injured), Fofana (Injured), Essugo (Injured), Buonanotte (Ineligible), Palmer (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Delap (Injured)
Questionable: Badiashile (Injured), Acheampong (Illness), Lavia (Injured), Guiu (Injured)
Brighton team news: Several now fit
Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed that Brighton remain without longer term absentees Adam Webster and Solly March, as well as continually improving midfielder Jack Hinshelwood.
The Seagulls are able to welcome back both Maxim De Cuyper and Mats Wieffer, though, whilst Brajan Gruda and Yankuba Minteh have been back in training after knocks against Barnsley.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Baleba; Minteh, Gruda, Mitoma; Rutter
Unavailable: Webster (Injured), Hinshelwood (Injured), March (Injured)
Questionable:
Chelsea vs Brighton prediction
Chelsea have an abundance of talent in their squad, but Enzo Maresca is having to find the right balance due to injury issues, most notably to Cole Palmer, preventing him from finding his right balance just yet. Brighton are always capable of creating awkward angles and moves for bigger sides, and they will fancy themselves to at least score at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea requiring a performance after a slow start.
Chelsea vs Brighton tip: Both teams to score
