Prediction: Brighton vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: William Hill

The Premier League returns this weekend in the wake of some entertaining midweek fixtures, as we look ahead to the busy Christmas period. One game, in particular, that seems as if it’s going to turn some heads is Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea. The two sides are in very different places in their respective seasons and in the table, but we all know that you need to suspend your sense of logic when it comes to the EPL.

Brighton

Brighton currently find themselves 11 points above the relegation zone, but most importantly they find themselves seven points clear of Cardiff who are directly below them – signalling that they aren’t really one of the sides that needs to worry about relegation right now. They’re certainly an inconsistent team and Hughton will want them to push on towards the top half, but it’s extremely competitive up there and perhaps the best course of action will be to focus on safety this season.

Team News

Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Glenn Murray are both expected to return, whereas Duffy is suspended and Izquierdo will face a late test to analyse his fitness.

Chelsea

Nobody really knows what to think of Chelsea’s season. One minute they are title contenders, and then the next they are losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Maurizio Sarri seems to be the right man for the job but the real test will be who they get rid of and, of course, who they bring in during the January transfer window. Securing a place in the top four is likely the main goal for the club, but as well as that, some fans believe they have an outside chance of getting involved in the title race.

Team News

Alvaro Morata’s recent knee injury means he’ll be a doubt for the trip, with Kovacic, Moses and Cahill all being out injured. Sarri is expected to make many changes in the wake of fielding a weakened side in the Europa League.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Brighton’s Amex Stadium.
• Brighton have won two, drawn one and lost three of his last six games.
• Chelsea have won three, drawn one and lost two of his last six games.
• Chelsea lead 8-1 in the overall head to head standings, with one draw.
• In their last meeting back in January, Chelsea won 4-0.

Conclusion

Brighton & Hove Albion are the definition of a hot and cold team, in the sense that you just never know what you’re going to get from week to week. They’ve got players who can pop up with goals out of nowhere and they often do well at home, but in terms of quality, they pale in comparison to the Blues. We think that Chelsea will get into a rhythm early with an early goal, and they’ll end up riding it out until the full time whistle – securing three points, and ensuring that they maintain an outside chance of a title push.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: William Hill