Chelsea vs Brighton prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2023-12-02 14:00.
[p]Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was angry after suffering his joint-heaviest Premier League (PL) defeat to Newcastle (L 4-1) after which he criticised his players for making it “too easy” for their opponents. It was his first loss by a three-goal margin since losing 3-0 to none other than Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019 when in charge of Tottenham so he’ll be desperate for his side not to repeat that again here.[/p]
[p]After winning just one of their last five league fixtures (D2, L2), the Blues trail their visitors by six points and could use an upturn in home form in particular (D2, L3) to help them close that gap. The omens aren’t great as they’ve won none of the last three PL H2Hs at Stamford Bridge (D2, L1), so there’s potential for Pochettino’s anger to linger for a little longer.[/p]
[p]In contrast, spirits couldn’t be much higher for Brighton, who arrive for this clash after securing a place in the UEFA Europa League knockouts by beating AEK 1-0 in Athens on Thursday. Their league form had suffered as they adapted to the demands of a European campaign and they also have a lengthy injury list to deal with, so last weekend’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest was timely after three consecutive 1-1 league draws. [/p]
[p]As both teams have scored in each of the Seagulls’ last eight league away games (W3, D1, L4), entertainment could be in the offing here, especially with their last two league visits to Stamford Bridge also seeing both goalkeepers beaten. That includes last term’s 2-1 win here, which was a sweet one for Brighton fans after Graham Potter had left for Chelsea in September only to be sacked in April.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Raheem Sterling has netted between the 20th and 40th minute in both of Chelsea’s last two games and he has five PL goal contributions (G4, A1) against Brighton. João Pedro’s winner against AEK was his third goal across Brighton’s last two fixtures – two of which were penalties between the 50th and 60th minute.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ahead of the round, Chelsea had collected a league-high average of 3.38 yellow cards per PL game this season.[/p]