Chelsea vs Brighton

Chelsea Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Unbeaten Brighton

Chelsea will seek their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's Premier League showdown. The two sides last met four months ago, where Chelsea secured a 2-1 win at the Amex Stadium.

Match Preview
Following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at home, Chelsea have been in fine form, winning their last three matches with a 9-0 aggregate scoreline. They recently secured Premier League wins against Bournemouth (1-0) and West Ham (3-0), and cruised to a 5-0 triumph over Barrow in the EFL Cup, with Christopher Nkunku grabbing the headlines for his hat-trick.

While Chelsea are set to face Newcastle or AFC Wimbledon in the next EFL Cup round, their immediate focus is on Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton, followed by upcoming fixtures against Gent and Nottingham Forest. Manager Enzo Maresca will hope his side can continue their positive momentum before the international break.

Chelsea have been one of the most in-form teams in the league since May, collecting 25 points since the start of that month. They sit fifth in the Premier League, just three points behind champions Manchester City, but are yet to win at Stamford Bridge this season despite their perfect away record in the league.

On the other hand, Brighton remains unbeaten after five matches in the league and played out a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend in a match that saw both managers sent off. Goals from Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck gave Brighton a first-half lead, but Ramon Sosa’s strike rescued a point for Forest.

Brighton assistant coach Andrew Crofts will be in charge of the Seagulls on Saturday, as head coach Fabian Hurzeler serves a touchline ban. Crofts aims to rally his side, who have only won three of their 23 meetings with Chelsea across all competitions.

Team News
Chelsea remain without captain Reece James due to a hamstring injury, while Romeo Lavia is doubtful with a thigh problem. Maresca is expected to revert to the starting XI that beat West Ham, with Malo Gusto potentially keeping his spot at right-back after returning from injury. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer are expected to return to the midfield, with Nicolas Jackson leading the attack, supported by Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke on the wings.

For Brighton, Joao Pedro is ruled out after picking up a knock against Forest, while Matt O'Riley, Solly March, and James Milner remain sidelined. Yasin Ayari is available again after illness, and Brajan Gruda could return to the matchday squad. Mats Wieffer may push for a starting role in midfield, while Georginio Rutter is expected to continue in an advanced role behind Danny Welbeck.

Possible Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson

Brighton: Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Hinshelwood, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck