English Premier League: Brighton host previous champions Chelsea

The first match of the day brings us action from the Falmer Stadium, a little later today. Chelsea travel to Brighton & Hove Albion, in search of a victory to leapfrog Liverpool, and reclaim their third place spot.

The previous champions Chelsea, who no longer look the part – face a Brighton side, who’s also had a difficult and challenging, December and January period. Chelsea finally got knocked off their spot after weeks of threats from the Reds, Spurs, and others homing in on that Champions League spot.

The Seagulls got the week off to a good start after breaking their previous transfer record on PSV striker, Jurgen Locadia. Hopefully, he will bring early success and fit in seamlessly into Brighton. This transfer adds as a lift to the moral of the squad. However, I doubt we’ll see the talented transfer – after recently making his move.

But we’ll all be hoping for a second half cameo performance.

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Conte’s been struggling with results across all competitions – with midweek’s clash a prime example of the teams inability to convert the chances created. The performances has not lacked in creativy, however, the amount chances that go begging – allows Chelsea’s opposition to get something out of the game.

Next: West Ham applied the hammer

The Stamford Bridge side’s been linked with the likes of, Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch. Something underwhelming, to say the least. Maybe signs of desperation?

Brighton and Chelsea ahead of this fixture:

The entertainers managed only two points from their previous five fixtures – pointing out they haven’t won a game in as many. The travellers collected nine points from the fifteen up for grabs.

It’s a bit unfair to say they’ve been underperforming – but taking the opposition they’ve faced, and the fact they’ve not one any of their last three, is cause for concern.

Brighton’s last five Premier League fixtures:

Chelsea give Brighton a massive chance with key personnel missing from today’s events. Striker Alvaro Morata, and winger Pedro, are both missing from today’s fixture through suspension – after both receiving a one-match ban.

The new inclusion to the Seagulls, homeground advantage, and players missing for Chelsea, gives Brighton all the reason to be hopeful, and come away with something. A point the goal for the host – three points a bonus, if it happens in their favour.

Chelsea’s previous five Premier League fixtures:

Reverse Fixture – Chelsea 2-0 Brighton:

One of Chelsea’s goal-scorers, as mentioned earlier, will be missing from today’s clash. A two goal lead was enough to see Brighton return to the Falmer Stadium with nothing.

The game’s scoreline reflects nothing of what went down. Chelsea could have easily swept Brighton away by five- six goals maybe. Think it was nothing more than luck that helped the Seagulls to a stalemate first half.

Next: More from The Top Flight

Not long after the second half started – Morata was good to the ball crossed in a started the celebrations for Chelsea. Alonso capped off the second goal from a set piece, something they’d worked on going into this fixture.

Interesting encounter to kick off Matchday 24 with all that’s reported here.

Score prediction for Brighton vs Chelsea:

Brighton 2 – 2 Chelsea