Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to claim a much-welcomed Premier League boost on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea mount have mounted an essential EFL Cup comeback away at League One outfit Lincoln earlier in the week as they eventually left Sincil Bank with a 2-1 victory, Enzo Maresca’s men have failed to find any real stability since returning from September’s international break. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 3-1 defeat away at German giants Bayern Munich, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad muster just a single win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Coming under serious scrutiny last weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 loss against historic foes Manchester United, Chelsea have also shown some worrying defensive issues. In fact, the Blues have managed to muster just a sole clean sheet from any of their last six consecutive outings.

Chelsea Team News

Limping off away at Old Trafford last weekend with a reported groin issue, Chelsea are expected to be without attacking talisman Cole Palmer on Saturday afternoon. However, serving his one-match suspension in midweek and missing out away at Lincoln, Robert Sanchez should make a full return between the sticks.

Completing a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund over the summer, Jamie Gittens could make a first Premier League start since returning from September’s international break, Completing a £60million move from Brighton back in July, Joao Pedro will lead the line in west London.

Brighton

As for the visitors, while Brighton might have extended on their respective EFL Cup campaign on Tuesday night as they cruised their way to a 6-0 romp away at League One outfit Barnsley, Fabian Hurzeler’s men are seeking some Premier League stability. Suffering a second-half collapse at home against Tottenham last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad muster just a single win from any of their first five Premier League appearances. Heading into September’s international break with a stellar 2-1 win against Manchester City, the Seagulls are also seeking their own defensive steel. While Brighton might have their sights set on mounting another genuine European charge this season, they have recorded just a sole top-flight clean sheet on their travels since the end of February.

Brighton Team News

Both dealing with respective knee injuries, Brighton will once again be without the duo of Solly March and Adam Webster. Likewise, dealing with a recent ankle issue, Hurzeler’s men are once again sweating over the fitness of academy graduate Josh Hinshelwood on Saturday afternoon.

Sensationally bagging four goals during Brighton’s 6-0 EFL Cup victory away at Barnsley in midweek, Paraguayan international Diego Gomez should keep his spot from the start. While Georgino Rutter might still be waiting to open his Premier League account, the ex-Leeds talisman will lead the line in west London.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Brighton last met back on February 14th, the Seagulls stormed their way to a stellar 3-0 romp at the Amex.
• Despite heading into September’s International break with a 2-1 victory at home against Manchester City, that is the only win that Brighton have recorded from their first five Premier League appearances.
• The Blues have not suffered a single domestic defeat in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.
• Chelsea have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous six appearances across all competitions.
• All of the previous five meetings between Chelsea and Brighton have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Chelsea might not have suffered a single domestic defeat at Stamford Bridge so far this calendar year, they should face a tricky test in west London. Hit with a 3-0 drumming when they last met Brighton back in February, Maresca’s leaky defence could be asked some serious questions. In a contest that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, chances could come thick and fast here. With Chelsea mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six consecutive outings, we are expecting what could be an enjoyable showdown from the capital.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster