Brighton v Chelsea Match Preview
Chelsea shall be hoping for a extra profitable afternoon on the Amex Stadium than the one they endured final Saturday as they go to Brighton for the second time in six days on Friday.
The Blues had been overwhelmed 2-1 within the FA Cup fourth spherical on Saturday night, with Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma securing a much-needed victory for the Seagulls after Bart Verbruggen’s early personal objective.
Fabian Herzeler will hope the victory will present his aspect with a confidence enhance as they give the impression of being to arrest a poor run of only one league win in 11 video games.
Chelsea, in the meantime, are nonetheless in fourth after beating West Ham of their final sport however know they’ve Manchester Metropolis chasing them down a spot behind them.
A top-four place beforehand seemed nailed on to qualify for the Champions League after beginning the season strongly however have suffered a current dip in type, in addition to their exit from the cup.
However supervisor Enzo Maresca mentioned earlier than their return to the South Coast: “Our journey within the Premier League and Convention League has been incredible. We’ll try to end in one of the simplest ways we are able to.
“Don’t overlook within the final two years Chelsea haven’t been high 4 and this season on a regular basis within the high 4.
“This reveals everybody we’re in the precise path. This membership belongs within the Champions League.”
🥶 vs Brighton: 28.09.24 pic.twitter.com/5KhVWzfEWY
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 13, 2025
Brighton v Chelsea Crew Information
Maresca is in search of an answer up entrance after Nicolas Jackson was dominated out till the tip of March, with Marc Guiu additionally out for a prolonged spell.
Each had been lacking in final Saturday’s defeat, with Christopher Nkunku deployed as a false 9, which appears the more than likely choice once more, though Maresca admitted he’s open to making an attempt different choices.
He mentioned: “We’re looking for totally different options, will be Christoph [Nkunku] or a distinct type of participant. If you don’t have a correct 9 who could be a menace all the time it’s important to change.
“Pedro [Neto], Noni [Madueke] and even Tyrique [George] can try to possibly be the answer. Jadon [Sancho] possibly with totally different abilities.”
Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are additionally absent for the Blues however Reece James is match after lacking final week’s FA Cup conflict.
Brighton are with out captain Lewis Dunk nonetheless, with Pervis Estupinan and Solly March additionally out regardless of the latter not too long ago returning to coaching.
