Date: 01/01/2020
K/O: 12:30
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: Stuart Attwell
The Seagulls host Chelsea on New Year’s Day with both teams winning their last encounters against Bournemouth and Arsenal respectively.
Chelsea seem to have gained their confidence back after they came from a goal behind to beat bitter rivals Arsenal 2-1 in the West London derby. Jorginho grabbed on to a loose ball due to Leno’s error and Tammy Abraham found his scoring boots with a late clinical finish to give his side a much-needed win.
Brighton, who have just one win in their last five Premier League meetings will be happy to have won comprehensively against an out of sorts Bournemouth side on the weekend. Potter will be hoping his side give the big boys a run for their money in the early kick off on New Year’s Day.
Potter, who is known to be a tactical expert, will be looking to outwit Chelsea boss Frank Lampard who is no less himself. The real battle could be based on how the hosts contain the likes of Willian and Mount from feeding dangerous balls to Tammy and exploiting the wide areas. The hosts started Jahanbakhsh for the first time this season in their last match and he had a wonderful game contributing with an early goal and general positive movement. Brighton will be looking at the likes of him, Gross and rejuvenated Mooy to take the game to the visitors.
Both teams will be looking to kick things off on a positive note on the first day of the year. It will be interesting to see if there any major changes in the lineup from either side due to a congested festive period.
Team News
Brighton
Apart from March and Izquierdo, Potter has no major fitness concerns, with most of his squad available for selection.
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Loftus-Cheek, their only long term injury concern. Azpilicueta will be assessed as he has been playing with a minor problem whilst Alonso and James are not expected to be fit for this game.
Predicted Starting XIs
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Burn; Propper, Stephens; Jahanbaksh, Mooy, Trossard; Maupay
Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Emerson; Kante, Kovacic, Jorginho; Willian, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi
Score Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
I feel Chelsea will prove too much for the hosts with their fast movement and slick passing but Brighton will be able to get a goal back and make things exciting for the home crowd till the final whistle.
