SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 20 hrs 8 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
BL
Premier League | Gameweek 1
Sep 14, 2020 at 8.15pm UK
The American Express Community Stadium
CL

Brighton
1 - 3
Chelsea

Trossard (54')
Lamptey (81')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Jorginho (23' pen.), James (56'), Zouma (66')

Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups

:Headline: Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups: ID:414022: from db_amp
Sports Mole previews Monday's Premier League fixture between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, including team news and injury news.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea do battle at the Amex Stadium on Monday evening with both clubs looking for improved Premier League campaigns.

While the Blues edged out Leicester City for fourth place last season, the Seagulls could only finish in 15th position in the standings.


Match preview

After a relatively-successful first season in charge of Chelsea, Frank Lampard now has the task of turning his side into challengers for silverware on a regular basis.

Although they squandered the chance to win the FA Cup last month, there were positives to take from reaching the final and claiming a Champions League spot through their Premier League form.

However, having been provided with the funds to sign several world-class players, Lampard is aware that the stakes are far greater than they were during a season without being able to add to his squad.

While the club legend is still attempting to sign a new goalkeeper and defensive-minded player who can play in defence and midfield, he will feel that his squad have the firepower to outscore any opponents in the division.

All eyes will be on Kai Havertz and Timo Werner after they netted 52 goals between them for Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig during the last campaign.

Like his Chelsea counterpart, Graham Potter will feel under pressure to build on guiding Brighton to their second Premier League survival in succession.

Despite 15th spot being acceptable for his first year at the Amex Stadium, there is optimism that Brighton can challenge for a position in the top half of the table.

As well as pulling off coups in signing Joel Veltman and Adam Lallana, tying Lewis Dunk and Ben White to long-term contracts feels just as important in the grand scheme of things

Facing Chelsea in their opening fixture is a tough start for Brighton, but the two teams did play out a competitive 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly at the end of last month.

Brighton & Hove Albion form (pre-season friendlies): DD

Chelsea form (pre-season friendlies): D


Team News

Despite making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, Christian Pulisic is likely to be restricted to a place on the substitutes' bench.

With Mateo Kovacic serving a suspension, Jorginho is expected to partner N'Golo Kante in central midfield, with Mason Mount getting the nod over Ruben Loftus-Cheek further forward.

Thiago Silva will be given time to settle into life at Chelsea, potentially resulting in Antonio Rudiger lining up alongside Kurt Zouma in the centre of defence.

Given the defensive options at his disposal, Potter must choose whether to use a 4-2-3-1 formation or line up with a back three.

Preference may be given to a back four, leading to former Chelsea youngster Tariq Lamptey having to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Veltman, White, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Bissouma; Gross, Lallana, Trossard; Maupay

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Caballero; James, Zouma, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho; Havertz, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Werner


We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Chelsea

With Lampard having to wait to field his new-look backline, Brighton will naturally feel that they can take full advantage. However, given the options in Chelsea's attack, we feel that a thrilling draw could be played out on the South Coast.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:




amp_article__414022 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-09-13 10:59:40:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 19:14:03 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Read more!
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .