Chelsea vs Brighton Preview - Blues Aim to Bounce Back at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea look to bounce back from a poor run of form when they face Brighton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. The Blues come into the game off the back of an unconvincing 2-1 win away at Lincoln in the EFL Cup, but will be eager to make amends for their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in their last Premier League outing. Brighton, meanwhile, drew 2-2 with Spurs in their previous league fixture, but a 6-0 thrashing of Barnsley in midweek will have boosted confidence ahead of this clash.

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side have endured a disappointing start to the season, winning just two of their opening five Premier League matches. After their successful Club World Cup campaign, many tipped the Blues to challenge for the title, but performances have looked flat and creativity has been lacking.

Injuries have not helped. Maresca confirmed that Cole Palmer will be sidelined until after the October international break with a groin injury a major blow, given the England international scored four goals in this fixture last season. Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (concussion) will also miss out, while Levi Colwill remains out with a long-term ACL injury. With central defensive options thin, academy graduate Josh Acheampong could be called upon, although the 19-year-old missed the midweek tie with illness. To add to Chelsea’s woes, Facundo Buonanotte the man brought in to deputise for Palmer cannot feature against his parent club. Maresca may be forced to field an unfamiliar lineup.

Brighton arrive in search of just their second league win of the campaign. Fabian Hürzeler will regret his side’s inability to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Tottenham, but the 6-0 EFL Cup victory over Barnsley provided a timely lift. Diego Gómez, who netted four goals in that match, is pushing hard for a starting spot.

Jack Hinshelwood is Brighton’s only new injury concern, with Hürzeler confirming that the youngster faces several weeks out with a ligament problem. Even so, Brighton will sense an opportunity to exploit Chelsea’s defensive frailties and sluggish start.

Both teams are under pressure to deliver. For Chelsea, defensive injuries and Palmer’s absence could be decisive, while Brighton will look to capitalise on the Blues’ shaky start. With both sides searching for momentum, this clash at Stamford Bridge could prove a turning point in their seasons.