Chelsea vs Brighton
High-scoring encounter expected at Stamford Bridge
Both Brighton and Chelsea were victorious in midweek in the EFL Cup, and they will be looking to take that momentum into this weekend's clash in West London.
Chelsea were defeated at Old Trafford last weekend, ending their unbeaten sequence and lost Cole Palmer to injury in the process. At Stamford Bridge, they have beaten Fulham; however, they were unconvincing on the opening weekend here against Crystal Palace.
They weren't particularly eye-catching in midweek, although Enzo Maresca chose to heavily rotate his XI for that occasion. They are unbeaten in 12 matches here; however, they could be missing Palmer, who, alongside Robert Sanchez (suspended) and Dario Essugo (injured), may have to settle for a spot in the stands. Furthermore, Facundo Buonanotte is ineligible to face his parent club on Saturday afternoon.
Brighton obliterated Barnsley in midweek with a heavily rotated XI, although Diego Gomez has put himself firmly in the frame for a start. The Seagulls haven't had much luck on the road in the Premier League so far, and the travelling fans will be hoping to witness their first away win of the season.
Trips to Everton and Bournemouth cannot be seen as the toughest away fixtures; however, they were easily swept aside by both, conceding twice on each occasion.
The West Sussex outfit has plenty of firepower and should create chances here. The two previous fixtures at this venue have finished 4-2 and 3-2, and there are always goals when these two sides meet.
Absences may play a part here; however, another high-scoring encounter is expected.
Jack’s football journey began in the early 2000s at Bloomfield Road, sparking a lifelong passion for the EFL and beyond. With over a decade of writing and tipping experience, he delivers sharp insights and value-driven betting advice across football, darts, tennis, and horse racing.
When he’s not analysing stats, Jack is on commentary duty for Stoke City and occasionally heard at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Based in Leeds, he’s as reliable with a brew as he is with a bet.