Brighton vs Chelsea
Time- India: 12.45 AM (Tuesday), UK: 8.15 PM (Monday)
Venue- American Express Community Stadium
Referee– Craig Pawson
Chelsea will begin their 2020-21 Premier League campaign with an away trip to Brighton on Monday night.
Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea side will be looking to make a perfect start to their new Premier League campaign after a busy transfer window. The west London giants have already added six new faces to their squad and will be looking to send a message to the rest of the Premier League on Monday.
On the other hand, Brighton too would be looking to start their season on a bright note after finishing on the 15th place last season under Graham Potter’s management. Just like Chelsea, the Seagulls also have an active summer transfer window as they already completed the signings of Adam Lallana, Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke and Ulrick Eneme Ella already.
This will be their second meeting in two weeks time, having squared up earlier in a pre-season friendly at the Amex Stadium. Timo Werner’s debut goal gave Chelsea the lead in the first half, while a late Cristian Gross penalty made it all square at the end of 90 minutes.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Recent From (In all competitions including pre-season friendlies)
Brighton: D-D-W-D-D (most recent first)
Chelsea: D-L-L-W-W (most recent first)
Brighton accumulated five points in their last three Premier League fixtures last season, which was enough to keep them afloat in England’s first division football for another year. However, the Seagulls have drawn both of their pre-season friendlies against West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea ahead of Monday’s Premier League fixture.
Despite securing a top-four finish, Frank Lampard’s men finished their campaign in a bitter-sweet manner after testing defeats against both Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the FA Cup final and UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd leg tie, respectively.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Head-to-head record
Total matches: 8
Brighton wins: 0
Chelsea wins: 6
Draws: 2
Brighton are yet to register their first win against Chelsea, despite facing them on eight occasions previously. In their last seven competitive fixtures, the west London giants have come out on top on six occasions, plundering in 18 goals in the process.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Team News
Brighton:
Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana is all set to make his debut on Monday following his free transfer to Brighton earlier this summer.
Another summer arrival Joel Veltman from Ajax will slot into the right-back position. Meanwhile, Ben White is expected to partner Lewis Dunk in the heart of the defense.
Absentees: N/A
Doubtful: N/A
Chelsea:
Chelsea supporters have to wait a little bit longer to see all of their summer signings combining in the field as both Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell have been ruled out of Monday’s opener due to a knee and heel injury, respectively.
Former PSG skipper, Thiago Silva also sits out of Monday’s clash as he only starts training with the club this weekend.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and star forward Christian Pulisic are unlikely to make the starting XI after suffering hamstring injuries at the end of last season.
Chelsea will also miss the service of Mateo Kovacic, who serves a one-match ban owing to his red card in last season’s FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley.
Absentees: Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Zyiech (knee), Ben Chilwell (heel).
Doubtful: Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic
Brighton vs Chelsea: Predicted line-up
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Mathew Ryan, Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Ben White, Dan Burn, Yves Bissouma, David Propper, Pascal Groß, Adam Lallana, Leandro Trossard, Neal Maupay.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Willy Caballero, Reece James,, Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Where to watch
India: Star Sports Select 1/ Star Sports Select 1 HD
UK: Sky Sports Premier League
Brighton vs Chelsea: Live Stream details
India: Disney+ Hotstar Premium
UK: SkySports.com and SkyGo app.
Brighton vs Chelsea: Prediction
Chelsea will head into Monday’s clash as a clear cut favorite. Nothing less than a title challenge is expected of Chelsea this season, especially after splashing out more than 200 million euros this summer.
Meanwhile, Brighton will have their task cut out to keep Werner and co at bay. However, on the other end of the field, the Seagulls will have their chances to hurt the visitors, given Chelsea’s leaky defensive organization.
With that being said, Frank Lampard’s men should come up with all three points given the firepower they have got going forward.
Brighton vs Chelsea predicted scoreline: 1-3