Chelsea face the Seagulls in the Premier League on Sunday.
⚽️ Team news
Alvaro Morata remains a doubt for the Brighton clash but Maurizio Sarri has no other injuries or suspensions to deal with.
⚽️ Stats to know (via BBC)
• Chelsea have won all six of their league games against Brighton by an aggregate score of 12-1. Brighton are looking for their first victory over Chelsea in any competition since 1933, when they won 2-1 in the FA Cup third round.
• Chelsea have lost their last two Premier League away games, having sustained just one defeat in the previous nine (W7, D1). They began the season with five straight league victories but have only won five of the last 11, drawing four and losing two.
• The Blues have used just 20 players in the Premier League in 2018-19 – only Wolves, with 18, have selected fewer.
• Eden Hazard has made a league-high eight assists, double the tally he managed in 34 appearances last season. The Belgian could assist Premier League goals in four consecutive games for the first time.
• Kepa Arrizabalaga has not kept consecutive league clean sheets since August 2017 for Athletic Club in La Liga. However, Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in all five Premier League matches this season following a Europa League fixture.
⚽️ Probable Chelsea line-up
⚽️ Score predictions
chelsea247 predictions: Brighton 0-3 Chelsea
“Chelsea have won only two of their last five league matches, but did blow the title race wide open with a 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend. Given Brighton’s home form this season, the home side will be confident of landing a positive result here.”
90min: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
“Albion’s home record speaks for itself, but their opponents come in high spirits after rectifying recent away losses – Maurizio Sarri’s side may have enough to brush aside Chris Hughton’s outfit.”
Sports Mole: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
“Brighton have been strong at home this season, but Chelsea are coming into the game off the back of beating Manchester City and so should be full of confidence. It could be a close game, but we’re backing the visitors to come away with the points.”
⚽️ Key battle (via 90min)
David Luiz vs Glenn Murray
“Murray, like a fine wine, seems to get better with age. The 35-year-old has been prolific for Brighton in recent years and already has eight goals to his name this season. The Seagulls might not see a lot of the ball against Sarri’s possession-heavy Chelsea, meaning they may need Murray to make the most of potentially limited service. Fortunately for Brighton, that’s what Murray does best.”
“David Luiz will already be aware of Murray and will need to remain alert throughout if he is to ensure the striker remains quiet. However, Luiz’s concentration has been doubted by many, and Murray will be keen to exploit any lapses.”
⚽️ Quotes from the manager
Speaking after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with MOL Vidi in the Europa League on Thursday, the Italian said: “I think we played a very good match.
“I am really very happy with Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Of course, they need to improve in every way, tactically and technically, but they are in the right way.”