Chelsea FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Chelsea FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match Prediction & Analysis

In Matchweek 6 of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Chelsea squares off against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stamford Bridge in London at 7:30 p.m. IST.

The Blues began matchweek 5 by defeating West Ham 3-0 away from home and ended it by hammering Barrow 5-0 at home in the recently finished EFL Cup match. They will try to build on their recent success in the forthcoming match. However, standing in their way is a Brighton side that is yet to lose a match this season. The Seagulls are coming off a thrilling encounter with Nottingham Forest that ended in a 2-2 tie. 

Current Standings: With back-to-back wins in the last two games, Chelsea are currently placed fifth in the points table with 10 points, while Brighton are placed seventh with 9 points. 

Head-to-Head Record: These two sides have played each other 14 times, with Chelsea having a superior record, winning 8 and losing only two, with four ending in draws. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Chelsea FC Preview

Away games are never easy, especially if you are on the road for two consecutive weeks. Yet Chelsea has done well, winning back-to-back games in a row. Furthermore, they kept clean sheets as well. So far, they're three for three on the road. However, things have been different at home, where the Blues are yet to register a win in two games. And it will not be easy against Brighton this week. 

Jackson back in form

One of the Blues' concerns last season was Nicholas Jackson's poor finishing. He concluded the season with an xG of 18.6, scoring only 14 goals. However, this season, he has four goals and an xG of 3.3. In fact, he is presently third in the goal-scoring charts this season, alongside his teammate Cole Palmer. 

Stats That Matter 

Chelsea are ranked 6th in ball possession with 57.6% averaging 11.8 shots per game. The Blues score an average of 2.20 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 44%. Nicholas Jackson is the top scorer with 4 goals this season. Noni Madueke is the second best with 3 goals and Cole Palmer has scored 2 goals in the 5 matches played this season. The team has an average of 4.2 saves per game, the sixth best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1 goal per match. 

Tactics 

Having potent attacking options in the mix is Chelsea’s biggest strength this season. And they have been good on counters. In fact, three of the Blues' 11 goals came from fast breaks. In addition, they have made more shots (10) than anyone else this season during counters. Given Brighton's struggles against Notts counterattacks, expect Enzo Maresca and his team to attack them there. In terms of changes, expect Maresca to start with the same lineup as against West Ham. Meanwhile, midfielder Romeo Lavia is close to returning, while Reece James will continue to sit out. 

Chelsea Probable Starting Lineup -  R. Sanchez (GK);  Toshin Adarabioyo, W. Fofana, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella (Defenders); M. Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, N. Madueke, C. Palmer(Mid-fielders); N. Jackson (Forward)

Brighton & Hove Albion Preview

Brighton has had a 'so far so good season', with an unbeaten run of five games, the highlights being a draw with Arsenal and a victory over Manchester United. Though they may have hoped for full points in their last game, they instead settled for a 2-2 draw. 

The Seagulls are susceptible to counter-attacks, as seen in the game against Nottingham Forest. This season, they've already conceded the second-most shots (7) via counterattacks. And it doesn't help from the fact that their centre-backs, Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk, tend to venture forward more than other centre-backs. 

Stats That Matter 

Brighton & Hove Albion are ranked 2nd in ball possession with 64.4% averaging 16.2 shots per game. The Seagulls score an average of 1.60 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 28%. Danny Welbeck is the top scorer with 3 goals this season. Joao Pedro is the second best with 2 goals in the 5 matches played this season. The team has an average of 2.4 saves per game, the 15th best in the season. They have conceded an average of 0.80 goals per match.

Tactics 

Brighton's biggest strength are its wingers, and the trio of Mitoma, Adingra, and Minteh will need to step up if the Seagulls are to beat Chelsea this Saturday. Midfielders Joao Pedro and Mats Wieffer, who appeared as substitutes in the previous match, are expected to make their way into the starting 11.

Brighton & Hove Albion Starting Lineup - Steele (Goalkeeper);  Veltman, Van Hecke, Hinshelwood,Lewis (Defenders); Baleba, Pedro  Minteh, Mitoma, Wieffer (Midfielders); Welbeck (Forward)

CHELSEA FC vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Winning Prediction

Chelsea may have an overall head-to-head advantage over Brighton, but the Seagulls have only lost once in their last four visits to Stamford Bridge. Though the loss came last season by a margin of 2-3. In fact, Chelsea did a double last season by winning the second match 2-1. Furthermore, the Blues have won eight of their last 10 Premier League games. However, they are winless at home this season. 

Given their head-to-head stats and recent form, it's fair to assume that the Blues are favourites entering this contest and we predict an xG of 3/3.5. 

Chelsea to Win (3-2)

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