Brighton vs Chelsea – Premier League Match Preview | OneFootball

Chelsea will be aiming to continue their late push for European football against Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are ending the campaign in good form and can take another step closer to continental competition at the Amex Stadium.

Here is all you need to know about Wednesday’s clash.

Form

Brighton: DLLWD

Brighton’s season has not reached the heights of last term but the Seagulls remain in contention for a top-half finish in the Premier League for a third consecutive campaign.

Given the challenge of competing in the Europa League for the first time this season, it is an achievement that should not be overlooked for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

The Seagulls have a mirrored record of 12 wins, 12 draws and 12 defeats from their 36 league games so far this season, and could have a huge say on who qualifies for Europe next season ahead of final fixtures with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Pascal Gross has had another fine season of under-rated service for the Seagulls and ranks equal-second in the Premier League Playmaker of the Season standings, with 10 assists. It is the best return of the German’s career.

Chelsea: LDWWW

Chelsea have endured an up-and-down debut season under Mauricio Pochettino but have found some form across the run-in. It’s just one defeat in 13 league games for the Blues, a positive upturn in performances that has carried Chelsea into the top seven and contention for European football.

Nicolas Jackson has had his critics this season but can become the first Chelsea player since Mason Mount in December 2021 to score in four consecutive Premier League games if he finds the net against Brighton.

The 22-year-old has more non-penalty goals (14) than Mohamed Salah and teammate Cole Palmer this season, while his 17 goals in all competitions are more than Didier Drogba managed in his debut season with the club (16).

Reece James could start after coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest. The right-back provided the assist for Jackson’s winner on his first appearance in the Premier League since December.

Chelsea could also set an unwanted record against Brighton having already equalled the record for the most cards in a Premier League season with two games left to play.

Last Meeting

Chelsea 3-2 Brighton, Premier League, 03/12/2023

Enzo Fernandez was on target twice as Chelsea overcame Conor Gallagher’s first-half red card to edge a thriller against Brighton at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez headed the west Londoners ahead in the contest on 17 minutes before Levi Colwill – who spent the previous season on loan at Brighton – doubled the advantage shortly after.

Embed from Getty Images

Facundo Buonanotte pulled one back for Brighton with a fine effort and the momentum was with the Seagulls when Gallagher picked up his second yellow card on the stroke of half-time.

Chelsea came under strong pressure from the visitors but restored their two-goal cushion when Fernandez converted from the spot after Mykhailo Mudryk had been brought down by James Milner. Joao Pedro’s stoppage-time goal pulled another back for Brighton, but Chelsea held on to claim the points.

Predicted Lineups

Brighton: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Dunk, Webster, Igor; Gilmour, Gross; Adingra, Pedro, Fati; Welbeck

Chelsea: Petrovic; James, Disasi, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson

Who is the referee?

Michael Salisbury.

What channel is Brighton vs Chelsea on?

The game will not be shown live in the UK but is available via Premier League TV rights holders in other countries.

What time is kick-off?

19:45 BST, 15th May 2024.

Odds

Brighton – 23/10

Draw – 3/1

Chelsea – 1/1

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See more – Six brilliant stories from the European football season

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