Brighton & Hove Albion host Chelsea tonight with the chance to move into the top six of the Premier League.
The Seagulls are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten run following a dramatic draw with Tottenham. Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser on Saturday kept Brighton firmly in the hunt for European football. They have won their last two league games against Chelsea. A third consecutive win against the Blues would be a historic achievement for the Sussex club.
Fabian Hürzeler has transformed the Amex into a difficult venue for elite opposition this season. He has never lost a Premier League match against an English manager in nine attempts. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior will be the latest to test this impressive record. Brighton’s tactical flexibility has seen them score 17 goals in their last seven games against Chelsea.
The biggest boost for the hosts is the return of captain Lewis Dunk. He missed the Tottenham game through suspension, but will lead the defence tonight. Kaoru Mitoma is also available for selection after overcoming minor cramps. Hürzeler confirmed that the Japanese winger’s withdrawal on Saturday was merely a precautionary measure.
However, the squad still faces several injury-related absences in midfield and defence. Diego Gomez is ruled out with a suspected knee injury sustained last weekend. Solly March remains unavailable due to a minor muscle issue picked up in training. Meanwhile, veteran James Milner is also not ready to return to the matchday group yet.
Danny Welbeck will lead the line, having a prolific record against tonight’s opponents. He has seven goal involvements in eight Premier League games against Chelsea for Brighton. This contrasts sharply with his single goal in ten previous games for other clubs. Pascal Gross and Yasin Ayari are expected to control the midfield engine room.
Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter will provide the creative spark from the attacking positions. Brighton’s home matches have become tighter recently, averaging just 1.8 goals over the last nine games. This suggests a more disciplined approach from Hürzeler compared to earlier in the season. They will look to strike first and maintain their dominance over the Blues.
Brighton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Rutter; Welbeck
The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST.
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