Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Chelsea head into a meeting with a historically awkward opponent in less than ideal spirits. The team are winless in their last three matches across major competitions and have fresh injuries to contend with. Brighton, meanwhile, will take to the Stamford Bridge pitch without João Pedro for the first time — he is now with the hosts.
Chelsea
The Brazilian is likely to play for Chelsea, while the situation around another key figure remains uncertain. Cole Palmer continues to have groin issues after a standout outing against Bayern Munich (1:3). By Matchweek five against Manchester United he was not fully fit and was substituted as early as the 20th minute. Defender Wesley Fofana also went off on 64 minutes, and the hosts were already down to ten men from the 5th minute until the end of the first half due to a red card for goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Parity in numbers was restored before the break, but that still did not help the team take even a point (1:2).
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are getting used to playing without last season’s key attacker — João Pedro. In recent rounds the team have been scoring more. Their haul includes a win over Manchester City (2:1) and a draw with Tottenham Hotspur (2:2), which could have turned into a win but for an own goal by Jan Paul van Hecke on 82 minutes. All of that happened at the Amex Stadium. Away to Bournemouth, Brighton suffered a defeat (1:2).
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction
Even without their former talisman, Brighton have already beaten Chelsea twice this year (2:1, 3:0). It will be difficult for the hosts to win, especially without Cole Palmer, so a handicap in favour of the visitors looks reasonable.
