Chelsea vs Brighton
Date: 20/04/2021
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Stuart Attwell
TV: Sky Sports
Thomas Tuchel will welcome Graham Potter to the Bridge for what promises to be an interesting encounter, especially with what has been transpiring in the background given the home team’s inclusion as a founder member in the controversial European Super League.
The Blues are coming off the back of a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace which makes it three wins, a loss and a draw in the last five for the London club. A Champions League triumph over two legs against FC Porto and an FA Cup semi-final victory against Manchester City would’ve also helped in boosting the morale of the home side. A win tonight could see the Londoners get back into the more familiar top four of the table. They’ll be looking to play a strong side against a tactically astute Brighton side.
A goalless draw against Everton last time out saw the Seagulls make it two wins, two losses and a draw in the last five. They are currently placed 16th in the table and will be looking to solidify their position so as to not hover near the relegation places. Potter will be expecting his side to be solid defensively and ensure that they are in the game against a side who could potentially blow them away very quickly given their recent form.
Both managers will be looking to imprint their playing style in this Tuesday night encounter and make a game out of it. Tuchel will be very disappointed with anything other than the three points whereas Potter would be delighted to get even a point from this game.
Team News
Chelsea
Tuchel will be without the services of the injured duo of Kovacic and Christensen. Meanwhile, Thiago Silva is expected to miss out after he suffered a back issue in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
The manager is expected to make a few changes from the side that won against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Brighton
As for Potter, he will be without long-term absentees Lamptey and March, while Andone and Tau remain doubts as well.
Aaron Connolly should be fit for this encounter but Potter could stick to the same front line that started against Everton.
Predicted Starting XIs
Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger; Hudson-Odoi, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Pulisic
Brighton (3-4-3): Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, White; Gross, Lallana, Bissouma, Moder; Trossard, Maupay, Welbeck
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Brighton
Given recent form and performances, I feel the home side should comfortably take all three points.
