Prediction: Brighton and Hove Albion vs Chelsea

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 101/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Having come to terms with their failure to qualify for Europe next season, Brighton and Hove Albion will play host to Chelsea in a postponed Premier League fixture on Wednesday evening.

Brighton drew 1-1 with Newcastle in their previous game, while Chelsea emerged triumphant from their trip to Nottingham Forest, winning an exciting contest by 3-2.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton have been struggling offensively, failing to score more than once in their last 14 matches across all competitions. In their recent match at St James’ Park, Joel Veltman initially put the Seagulls in the lead with a bundled effort but had to leave the field due to injury. Newcastle capitalized on Veltman’s absence when Tariq Lamptey replaced him; Elliot Anderson’s assist led to Sean Longstaff’s equalizer just before halftime. The match ended winnerless, lacking decisive moments in the second half.

For Roberto De Zerbi’s men, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League standings, the rest of the season holds little significance in terms of their league position. With the highest possible finish being eighth, and that dependent on winning against Manchester United on the final day, Brighton’s mid-table status appears firmly set. Notably, it has been nearly three months since Brighton scored multiple goals in a single match.

Speculation continues about De Zerbi’s future, with rumors linking him to a managerial role at Bayern Munich. However, his immediate focus remains on Brighton’s upcoming fixtures. De Zerbi aims to achieve consecutive home wins in the league for the first time since September, as they prepare for their penultimate game of the season against Chelsea.

This final push for a positive end to the season is crucial for Brighton, not only to improve their standings but also to build momentum and confidence going into the next campaign. The uncertainty around De Zerbi’s future adds an extra layer of intrigue to their remaining matches, as fans and players alike await clarity on the managerial front.

Team News

Brighton face significant squad challenges ahead of their midweek clash, following a physically taxing encounter at St James’ Park. Veltman, who had to be substituted after scoring the opening goal against Newcastle, will be unavailable due to the knock he sustained, despite participating in post-match interviews. De Zerbi has confirmed that.

Julio Enciso, who had an energetic but inefficient performance against Newcastle, is also ruled out. However, there is good news regarding Joao Pedro, whose ankle issue has improved sufficiently for him to be available for selection.

The Seagulls’ extensive injury list includes Solly March (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (back), Jack Hinshelwood (foot), Pervis Estupinan (ankle), James Milner (thigh), Evan Ferguson (ankle), and Jan Paul van Hecke (thigh), all of whom will miss the midweek fixture. Consequently, Lamptey is expected to start in place of Veltman against Chelsea.

Chelsea

Chelsea head to the Amex Stadium aiming for consecutive Premier League victories on the road for the first time in 2024, having snatched a dramatic win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday evening. Former Blues winger Callum Hudson-Odoi seemed set to secure three crucial points for Forest after goals from Mykhaylo Mudryk and Willy Boly, but Raheem Sterling’s fine finish and Nicolas Jackson’s 14th Premier League goal of the season sparked a stunning late turnaround for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Jackson’s immediate celebration with the jubilant away supporters underscored Chelsea’s newfound resilience under Mauricio Pochettino, as the Blues secured their third consecutive Premier League victory. This winning streak has propelled them into contention for a European spot, trailing Newcastle only on goal difference in the race for sixth place, with Manchester United three points behind.

However, Chelsea’s European aspirations are not entirely within their control. Should the standings remain unchanged, eighth-placed Manchester United could dash Chelsea’s hopes by winning the FA Cup. Nonetheless, there is growing optimism around Stamford Bridge for the 2024/25 campaign, with Pochettino’s position appearing more secure as speculation about his future subsides.

Despite this upturn in form, Chelsea’s defensive record away from home remains a concern. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 Premier League away games, a blemish Pochettino will be keen to address. The Blues also face a psychological hurdle, having suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium last season. However, they did come out on top in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in December.

Team News

No longer hampered by their previously severe injury crisis, Chelsea’s squad depth was evident in their match against Nottingham Forest, with Lesley Ugochukwu and captain Reece James, who made an 11-minute cameo in the second half, back at Pochettino’s disposal.

Furthermore, knee injury victims Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka have returned to full training and could be in contention for selection at the Amex. This leaves Chelsea with only Robert Sanchez (illness), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Wesley Fofana (knee), and Enzo Fernandez (hernia) still on the recovery path.

The return of several key players combined with a tight fixture schedule suggests that Pochettino might opt for some rotation. Sterling, Malo Gusto, and Axel Disasi are among those pushing for a return to the starting lineup. However, given James’ recent injury history, Pochettino is likely to be cautious and avoid rushing him back into the starting XI.

Conclusion

While Chelsea’s defensive issues remain, Brighton’s attacking ones will likely make it easier for the visitors to stay tighter at the back, and Chelsea’s upturn in form and results in recent matches should play a vital role in this match.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 101/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet