Soccer
  • Home
  • Football
  • Brighton vs Chelsea news: Beleaguered Blues unlikely to find it any easier on south coast

Brighton vs Chelsea news: Beleaguered Blues unlikely to find it any easier on south coast

Chelsea have seen their Premier League title challenge all but evaporate in the last month, and a trip to Brighton may not give them any much-needed relief.

Chelsea's title hopes were dealt an absolute body blow last week when they lost to Manchester City to fall 13 points behind the champions.
The season is far from over for them, though, and a win over Graham Potter's solid Brighton side at The Amex could inject some much-needed confidence into the Chelsea dressing room.

When: Tuesday, January 18, 20:00 GMT

Where: The American Express Community Stadium

Where to watch: BT Sport

Who is the ref for Brighton vs Chelsea?

Kevin Friend will be the man in charge of this one in what will be just his seventh Premier League outing of the season.
He took charge of Chelsea's League Cup win over Southampton earlier this season, as well as Brighton's 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City.
Season stats 2021/22: Premier League matches (6), yellows (36), reds (1)

Recent form

Brighton are currently on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions after recovering from a bit of a mid-season blip before Christmas.

They have won three of the five matches in that run, which includes a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Last time out they faced their bitter rivals Crystal Palace and were able to salvage a late draw.
Chelsea's form has been blighted by too many draws, with their only wins in 2022 so far coming in both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

Brighton and Chelsea players in form

Alexis Mac Allister has been growing in influence for Brighton lately. The reverse fixture against Chelsea last month was one of his best performances of the season and Seagulls fans will be hoping he can maintain that level in the coming weeks.

Mateo Kovacic has been a rare leading light for Chelsea of late. His all-action midfield performances have caught the eye and he scored a truly special goal against Liverpool too.

Last three meetings

Chelsea 1-1 Brighton (December 29, 2021)

For many Chelsea fans, it was Brighton who delivered the dagger that hurt their title bid the most.
They were edging to a win at Stamford Bridge back in December thanks to a Romelu Lukaku goal, but Danny Welbeck's injury time equaliser denied them.

Chelsea 0-0 Brighton (April 4, 2021)

The Blues failed to get the better of Brighton in this one too, and it was a match that highlighted Chelsea's need to recruit a top striker during the summer.
Tuchel's men huffed and puffed, but Brighton stood their ground admirably.

Brighton 1-3 Chelsea (September 14, 2021)

The last time these sides met at the Amex it was Frank Lampard's Chelsea who came out on top.
Jorginho gave Chelsea the lead from the spot, only for Leandro Trossard to equalise just after half time. However, Reece James restored the lead immediately and Kurt Zouma added some gloss to the scoreline.

Last nine matches

Brighton wins: 0
Draws: 3
Chelsea wins: 6
Brighton goals: 4
Chelsea goals: 18

Manager's thoughts

Brighton manager Graham Potter said: "Chelsea do what they do very, very well - at a world class level. It will be a great challenge. They have a very unique style of playing, strong squad, strong coach with a strong belief in what they are doing. There are a lot of things to be aware of, what we need to do in the best level possible."
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: "It's the first time for me to play them in their stadium. They are not shy to do one-on-one across the pitch so you have to win challenges defensively and offensively. You have to make a point, prove yourself, show quality and be ready no matter what. We will face a brave, unique and strong opponent. If we want to win we have to be at the top level."

Predicted Brighton vs Chelsea teams

Shane Duffy and Adam Lallana are major doubts for Brighton and Lewis Dunk will definitely miss out.

Enock Mwepu is also missing with a hamstring injury, while Yves Bissouma is at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Andreas Christensen is self-isolating due to exposure to Covid-19 and will be missing for Chelsea. Fellow defenders Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, and Reece James also miss out due to injury.
First choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is away with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Possible Brighton line-up: Sanchez; Lamptey, Webster, Burn, Cucurella; Gross, Veltman, Moder, Mac Allister; Trossard, Maupay

Possible Chelsea line-up: Kepa; Sarr, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Lukaku, Werner

Brighton vs Chelsea prediction

Brighton are very tough to beat and Chelsea are not firing on all cylinders right now. We'll go with a 1-1 draw.

READ MORE: FIFA Best Awards 2022: Chelsea win treble while Robert Lewandowski claims top prize

More Articles