On Monday night, from 20:15, Brighton receives the visit of Chelsea in the first stage of the Premier League, in the match that ends the debut round of the new season. Chelsea are coming to show off their new acquisitions and it is possible to see German strikers Havertz and Werner on the pitch. Instead, manager Frank Lampard cannot rely on Gilmour, Kovacic, Thiago Silva and Ziyech, injured.
Brighton lost to Duffy, transferred to Celtic, but is known for the solid defense that ensured his rescue from relegation in recent seasons. However, the difference in value is clear in favor of Londoners, who do not conceive of wrong steps at the start of the season. Graham Potter’s side will try to defend the white draw, but Chelsea are an “explosion” team that will build many dangerous opportunities in Brighton’s box. And Chelsea’s midfield is superior, especially with the tireless Kante in “filtering” and recovery.
With Tammy Abraham in the starting line-up, Chelsea will try to use their passing game to get past the “seagulls” defense, which is trying to change its style on the go. Known as a defensive line-up, Brighton are looking to add extra speed and flair to the attack, and Neal Maupay is crucial to the hosts’ game plan. In the summer friendlies, the two teams met in the south of England and drew (1-1), in a match in which they played many reserves. Brighton also drew with the WBA (0-0), while Chelsea had no other tests.
In the last visit of the championship, on the field of Brighton, Chelsea drew 1-1, but Lampard does not consider this result as relevant: “They have progressed, we have progressed, we know that a difficult duel awaits us, regardless of our history . Brighton can make our lives very difficult if we don’t move the ball, so our passing game is all that interests me “, said the London manager, before the match. It is clear that the guests are favorites for success, but it is very important how Chelsea will start this first difficult test.
Brighton lost only once in the 3 debut matches of a Premier League season;
Brighton finished goalless in 7 home games last season – most;
Last season, Chelsea conceded 54 goals, the most in a 1997 season;
In Chelsea’s last 13 matches, at least one goal has been scored in the first half;
In the last 3 direct duels, less than 2.5 goals were scored each time;
