Brighton-Chelsea is a match valid for the fourteenth day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 4pm: predictions, TV, streaming.
A match loaded with meaning for Graham Potter, Chelsea’s current coach. One that he will never hold in the same regard as all the others. These are not the classic catchphrases, as the bond between the Brighton milieu and the Solihull-born coach continues to be very solid despite the separation this season. Potter arrived in London last September, with the Blues’ management deciding to pay the clause to grab him and bet on him to start a new course in the aftermath of Thomas Tuchel’s departure. Since then, the Seagulls have not won, but still maintain a position in the standings in line with their objectives. In his place is Roberto De Zerbi, still in the hunt for his first Premier League win.
The Italian coach is trying to move up a gear and transfer to his new team his ideas of a very offensive game, mainly based on ball possession. The calendar, however, has not helped him. He met Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City, picking up just one point (3-3 with the Reds) while with bottom-of-the-table Nottingham Forest he did not go beyond a 0-0. Potter’s impact on Chelsea, on the other hand, has been immediate: with him on the bench the Blues are still unbeaten, both in the league and in the Champions League. In the cup last Tuesday came the mathematical qualification to the round of 16 thanks to the 2-1 success over Salzburg, which followed the double draw with Brentford and Manchester United. Chelsea will try to turn things around, considering that the last three confrontations with Brighton have all ended in draws. The London side, however, have never lost to the Seagulls.
Pascal Gross
The Prediction
Not a ‘relaxing’ away match for Chelsea, who in addition to suffering cup fatigue will have to contend with Brighton’s desire for redemption. Uncertain outcome, then, but there is a good chance of a spectacular match with at least three goals in total.
Brighton-Chelsea line-up probables
- BRIGHTON (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Lamptey, Caicedo, Mac Allister, Trossard; March, Gross; Welbeck.
- CHELSEA (3-4-2-1): Kepa; Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Cucurella; Sterling, Mount; Havertz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
