Brighton vs Chelsea Match Preview and Prediction

By John


 Brighton & Hove Albion haven't won (D2, L3) since Graham Potter left for Chelsea in September, so they'd love to get one over his new side and keep themselves on track for a Premier League (PL) top-half finish. New boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted his team were outclassed by Manchester City (L 3-1) last time out, but was nevertheless pleased with their performance.


The Seagulls must start turning performances into results though, particularly after failing to score in each of their last two home league fixtures (D1, L1), including a frustrating 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest. Highlighting the task ahead, they've never beaten Chelsea in a league H2H anywhere but they've drawn two of the last three here (L1), which might offer some encouragement.


Not since 1933, when these sides first met, have Chelsea tasted defeat in this fixture (W12, D5) but having broken Salzburg's 40-match unbeaten run at home in midweek Champions League action (W 2-1), they'll be well aware that long-standing records are there to be broken. Securing progress in Europe was a timely boost for the Blues after two straight PL draws against Brentford (0-0) and Manchester United (1-1).


Now five competitive away matches unbeaten since sacking Thomas Tuchel (W4, D1), Chelsea scored twice in each of those four victories and as they average 2.2 goals per PL away H2H (W3, D2), fans will expect another strong performance. That would please Potter, the first Englishman since 1906/07 to start his Chelsea management career with nine unbeaten games (W6, D3), as he seeks to extend that run at the expense of his former club.


Players to watch: Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister signed a new contract this week and his last three PL goals came after the 55th minute. Similarly, Kai Havertz, Chelsea's midweek matchwinner, has netted three club goals this term, all of them after the 45th minute.


Hot Stat: Just one (20%) of Brighton's home league games this term saw both teams score.

Fottennis Prediction: Brighton 0 Chelsea 0

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