Chelsea will welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday for a Premier League clash. Moreover, the Blues target will be to keep the pressure on title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester City.
Team News
Chelsea
- Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante will miss out on the match following their Boxing Day injuries. The pair has joined long-term absentee Ben Chilwell on the sidelines.
- There is hope that Ruben Loftus-Cheek may make a timely return to the squad. However, COVID-affected pair Kai Havertz and Timo Werner remain doubtful.
- Mateo Kovacic came through another substitute outing unscathed at the weekend. The Croatian midfielder will therefore be deemed ready to start.
Brighton
- Leandro Trossard was hooked at half time in the Brentford win after opening the scoring board in style. Similarly, Potter admitted the Belgian had felt tightness in his hamstring.
- Brighton is without Jeremy Sarmiento, Lewis Dunk and Steven Alzate. Joel Veltman is also a doubt although Yves Bissouma is back from a ban.
- The Mali international will expect to come straight back into the engine room this week. But it would be harsh to see Enock Mwepu dropped. So, Jakub Moder could instead make way.
Prediction Analysis
Certainly, Brighton are a tough nut to crack away from home. The Seagulls may feel that Wednesday provides the prime opportunity to end their barren scoreless run in this fixture.
Tuchel’s side has been far from convincing at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks. The side continues to be bedeviled by fitness woes. However, the bountiful options for change should help to settle a tight contest in Chelsea’s favor.
Our prediction is Chelsea 2-1 Brighton.
Possible Lineup
Chelsea: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Ziyech, Mount, Lukaku.
Brighton: Sanchez, Lamptey, Webster, Burn, Cucurella, Bissouma, Lallana, Mwepu, Mac Allister, Welbeck, Maupay.