Chelsea v Brighton – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Chelsea v Brighton

After advancing past lower-league opponents in the Carabao Cup, Chelsea and Brighton return to Premier League action this Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

While the Blues narrowly overcame Lincoln 2-1 in midweek, Brighton made a statement by routing Barnsley 6-0, capped off by a sensational four-goal display from Diego Gomez.

Last weekend, Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United ended their unbeaten Premier League start.

A difficult afternoon at Old Trafford saw the Blues receive more yellow cards (six) than shots on target (five).

Nonetheless, Stamford Bridge remains a fortress, with Chelsea unbeaten in their last 12 top-flight home fixtures and keeping seven clean sheets in nine.

Premier League form has been less consistent for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with just one win from their opening five matches.

Brighton drew 2-2 with Tottenham last weekend after surrendering a 2-0 lead and have yet to claim a point on the road this season.

However, their recent FA Cup and Premier League double over Chelsea in February 2025 provides confidence heading into this encounter.

Team news for Chelsea v Brighton

Chelsea will welcome Robert Sanchez back after he served a suspension for his fifth-minute red card against Manchester United, the earliest in Premier League history for a Blues player.

Cole Palmer’s ongoing groin issue remains a concern following last weekend’s defeat, with surgery still a possibility.

Facundo Buonanotte, who starred in midweek, cannot feature against his parent club. Other absentees include Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Dario Essugo (thigh), Romeo Lavia (unspecified), Benoit Badiashile (unspecified), Liam Delap (thigh), and Levi Colwill (knee). Marc Guiu is also doubtful.

Brighton could include Diego Gomez in their starting XI following his four-goal League Cup heroics, while Brajan Gruda may be displaced from the attacking quartet.

Maxim De Cuyper may return after a minor knee issue, but Jack Hinshelwood (foot), Solly March (knee), and Adam Webster (knee) remain sidelined.

Expected line-ups for Chelsea v Brighton

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; George

Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gomez, Mitoma; Rutter

How to watch Chelsea v Brighton: TV channel, online stream

Chelsea v Brighton will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday but is not available to watch in the UK due to the usual blackout. International viewings will be able to access the game.

The stats for Chelsea v Brighton

• Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 consecutive Premier League home games
• Chelsea have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 9 home league matches
• Brighton are one of four Premier League teams yet to earn an away point this season
• Brighton scored 6 goals in consecutive League Cup matches
• Tyrique George contributed a goal and assist in midweek League Cup win
• Diego Gomez’s four-goal haul is the first four-goal away League Cup performance since Julio Baptista in 2007

Prediction

Midweek fixtures are unlikely to affect either side, as managers Maresca and Hurzeler are expected to rotate heavily.

Chelsea’s strong home record and familiarity of their first-choice squad suggest they will have the edge, while Brighton’s Premier League away form remains a concern.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton