Prediction: Chelsea vs Brighton

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League returns this weekend as we gear up for the final eight-game stretch of the campaign. It’s been a long road to get here from all the way back in August, but it seems as if we’ve got a pretty good idea of what all 20 clubs are shooting for between now and the end of May. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a clash between Graham Potter’s exs as Chelsea prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chelsea

Chelsea Football Club have had a terrible season and as they prepare to exit the Champions League, it’s worth taking a moment to wonder how things got to this point. Now, with Frank Lampard back in charge, the best they can hope for is sneaking into Europe – but even that feels like a stretch. The Blues are struggling in a big way and it doesn’t help that their wage bill is absolutely through the roof.

Team News

Broja and Koulibaly are both out injured whereas Chukwuemeka will have to be assessed after picking up a knock.

Brighton

Since taking charge at the Amex, Roberto De Zerbi has been able to continue the former gaffer’s work impeccably – and in many ways, he’s improved on it. Brighton are in real contention for a place in European competition next season and it’s no fluke. They look strong, efficient and composed on the ball, and it comes down to whether or not they can maintain that in the weeks ahead.

Team News

Moder, Sarmiento and Lallana are injured, Colwill is unable to play against his parent club and Lamptey is a fitness concern.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, Brighton beat Chelsea 4-1.
• Chelsea have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Brighton have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Brighton have scored 14 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Brighton may start to feel a little bit of pressure at this stage in the season given the stakes of what they’re trying to achieve. When you balance that out with the ‘do or die’ attitude at Stamford Bridge, we expect to see Chelsea have a bit of luck go their way here. It isn’t going to be enough to earn them three points but they will be able to get back on the scoresheet, leading us down the path of a draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: 888sport