Trying to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester City, Chelsea will close 2021 – a year to remember thanks to their UEFA Champions League triumph – against Brighton & Hove Albion, to whom they haven’t lost since their very first meeting back in January 1933!
Chelsea
Chelsea fans are enjoying their festive football as their side recorded a brace of competitive away wins by two-goal margins either side of Christmas Day. Trying to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester City, they’ll close 2021 – a year to remember thanks to their UEFA Champions League triumph – against Brighton & Hove Albion, to whom they haven’t lost since their very first meeting back in January 1933! However, one of those stalemates came here the last term so the Blues will be taking nothing for granted, particularly as they’ve also drawn three of their last four Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge and are battling injuries and illness. With their last three home games witnessing four penalties scored, both teams’ goalkeepers might be considering extra practice against spot-kicks!
Brighton
Brighton gave their fans a late Christmas present by breaking their 12-match winless run in all competitions with a 2-0 win over Brentford on Boxing Day. They’re now hoping to end the year in the top half having made their best ever 17-game start to a Premier League campaign. Although the ‘Seagulls’ haven’t claimed a league away win since September, they’ve been hard to break down on the road, subsequently losing just once. Much of that away success has been down to their never-say-die attitude which has seen them salvage three draws with goals after the 85th minute, while they also drew 2-2 at Liverpool back in October after being 2-0 down inside 25 minutes.
If Chelsea earn another penalty, Jorginho will look to make it five converted spot-kicks in as many Premier League games, three of his last four coming after the 55th minute. Neal Maupay has netted in three of Brighton’s last four league matches and they’re unbeaten in his goalscoring Premier League games this term. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine calendar year-ending fixtures.