England Premier League
Monday 14th September 2020
Kick off at 8:15pm BST
Venue: Amex Stadium
Match Preview:
Even though Brighton finished 15th and quite clear of the bottom three in the end last season, it was for the most part a struggle, and they will want to improve on that position for the new season. Though their opponents for the Monday night game are Chelsea who finished 4th and have bought well in the summer. This will not be an easy tie for Graham Potter’s side.
The Seagulls have certainly chopped and changed in the summer and have brought 13 players in though the majority have been on free transfers. The pick of these is Adam Lallana who has come from Liverpool. Also they were able to get Ajax defender Joel Veltman for under £1m, and though he is clearly not needed by Ajax he comes with plenty of experience having played 179 games for the famous Dutch club.
In pre-season Brighton actually played Chelsea with the game finishing 1-1. Pascal Grob scored the equaliser for the Seagulls with a 90th minute penalty.
Much is expected of Chelsea this season because they have spent big and brought in potentially excellent players to bolster their already impressive squad who finished 4th last season and claimed the final Champions League spot. This means that whilst manager Frank Lampard was given a ‘free pass’ last season there will be pressure on him for this one with every point dropped scruitinised.
The Blues have brought in the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, and got Thiago Silva from PSG on a free. It’s an exciting time for the club and the fans must be looking forward to the season ahead. Chelsea have spent over £200m and mean serious business. Werner in particular looks like a first class striker and is Germany’s No.1. choice at present. He scored 34 goals for RB Leipzig last season in all competitions.
As previously mentioned Chelsea have already played Brighton in a pre-season game just two weeks ago.
Team News:
Brighton: Florin Andone is a long term injury with his knee and could miss the rest of the year. Davy Propper has recovered from injury but has fitness issues, he may start from the bench if lucky. Christian Walton is out with an ankle injury and could miss at least the next few weeks
Chelsea: New signing Ben Chilwell is out of this game owing to a heel injury from last season with Leicester. Billy Gilmour is out until at least October with his knee. Mateo Kovacic is suspended for this game after being sent off last season, so it has carried over. Thiago Silva is 50/50 because of fitness issues and could miss this game. Hakim Ziyech is ruled out with a minor knee injury but has every chance of returning for the next Premier League game.
Brighton vs Chelsea Head to Head:
Last season this fixture ended 1-1.
Brighton have not beaten Chelsea for 7 games going back to 2012 and even then it was a friendly game.
4 out of the last 6 league games has seen both teams not to score.
Brighton vs Chelsea Prediction:
There is no guessing who is the favourite to win this game but Brighton will look at the last few results against Chelsea where they have claimed draws and the scores have been tight otherwise.
Chelsea have an amazing squad although some will be missing from this game. Timo Werner should be full of confidence as he has already scored for the club in pre-season against Brighton and he should be backed to score anytime. Brighton will have their chances no doubt, but we think that the Blues can ease to victory here much like Arsenal did at Fulham on Saturday. In fairness with the team they have and the money they have spent anything less than a win on Monday night for Chelsea may be harshly judged and Lampard will be determined not to experience that.
Brighton vs Chelsea Betting Tips:
Chelsea to beat Brighton at 1.62
Anytime goalscorer: Timo Werner at 2.00
Chelsea to score 2+ goals at 1.66
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