Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion will be eager to go back to winning ways when they meet in the Premier League on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Team Form
Chelsea
Chelsea has been struggling to find their form lately. They have failed to score in their last four matches across all competitions, which is something they have yet to experience since 1993.
Their most recent loss came against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final match, where they were defeated 2-0 while also having a player sent off.
With their Premier League form also suffering, Chelsea’s best hope for qualifying for next season’s Champions League is an unlikely triumph in this year’s competition.
Currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table, they are 17 points behind the top four, with one more game played than fourth-placed Manchester United.
Despite Frank Lampard’s appointment as interim boss, he has struggled to make a significant impact thus far, and with only eight top-flight matches remaining, time is running out to salvage something positive from what has been a forgettable season in the Premier League.
Chelsea PL Form: W D L D L
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton hopes for better luck in their second successive trip to London following a controversial defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. The match was marred by a series of VAR decisions against them in a 2-1 loss to their European-chasing rivals.
The intense game saw Brighton’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, being sent off after a heated exchange with Spurs boss Cristian Stellini, who was also dismissed.
Despite their disappointment in North London, the Brighton team is determined to push on and secure a top-seven finish.
Brighton’s latest loss marked the end of their seven-game unbeaten away run in the Premier League, and it was only their second defeat in their last 12 top-flight matches.
However, both losses were suffered against London-based opposition, with their first being against Fulham at home.
Brighton & Hove Albion PL Form: D W D W L
Squad Report
Chelsea
Chelsea’s centre-back, Kalidou Koulibaly, suffered a suspected muscle problem during their match against Real Madrid, and he may be doubtful for their upcoming game on Saturday.
In addition, Carney Chukwuemeka is also uncertain due to a knock, while Armando Broja is out for the season with a knee injury.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Levi Colwill, who is currently on loan at the opposing team, cannot play against his parent club, Chelsea.
Brighton will have to do without Adam Lallana, who is still recovering from a thigh injury, and Jeremy Sarmiento, who is nursing an ankle injury. Jakub Moder is also unavailable due to a knee injury.
Chelsea’s expected starting lineup:
Kepa; James, W. Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Kovacic, Fernandez, Mount; Sterling, Havertz, Felix
Brighton & Hove Albion’s expected starting lineup:
Steele; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gross; March, Mac Allister, Mitoma; Ferguson
Head to Head
Over the past few years, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion have faced each other 12 times, starting in 2017. In those 12 encounters, Chelsea has emerged victorious in six matches, lost two, and drawn four.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Saturday, April 15
Time: 03:00 pm, BST
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Prediction
Given the high stakes of the match, both teams will likely be evenly matched, and a draw could be a realistic outcome.
Neither team will want to lose, but a draw could keep them both in contention for their respective goals.
