Late goals from Tammy Abraham and Jorginho gave Frank Lampard’s Chelsea all three points from their trip to Emirates at the weekend. The Blues are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Amex Stadium to take on a Brighton side fresh from a 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
Chelsea have now won just two of their last five games and are just four points above Manchester United, who have picked up their form and are closing in on the top 4.
Brighton have lost 11 of their last 12 games against their immediate opponents, but will hope that their win against Bournemouth will bring about a good run in the second half of the season.
Lampard‘s side cannot afford any slip-ups at the moment, but the manager is expected to make a few changes to the side for this clash.
Chelsea Team News
In early team news, Chelsea are still without the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Reece James, both of who are nursing long-term injuries.
Christian Pulisic was rested for the game against Arsenal after complaining of a hamstring niggle. However, he should be back in the squad for this game.
Here is the predicted lineup the visitors might field for this tie:
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Brighton
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga has not had the best of times under the bar in the Premier League this season. He has just one league clean-sheet since the start of October, and will want to improve on that stat in this game.
The custodian will have Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger in front of him, playing in the centre-back roles in the Chelsea lineup.
Neal Maupay and Aaron Mooy have been in decent form and need to be kept quiet if Chelsea are to take all three points from this game. Zouma could be dropped as Lampard is expected to stick with a back four, as in the second half against Arsenal.
Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the first names on the Chelsea lineup. He will start in the right-back role while Emerson Palmieri, who did not last the whole game against Arsenal, should keep his place at left-back
Midfield
Jorginho came off the bench and scored for Chelsea against the Gunners at Emirates. He could be preferred in the midfield role, alongside Mateo Kovacic, who was also subbed off against Arsenal.
Kovacic will look to add some creativity to the side as Brighton are expected to sit deep for most of this game.
Attack
Willian has found some form recently, but deserves some rest this week. He could be replaced by Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left flank.
Mason Mount will play in the no.10 role while Pedro, who was not even in the squad to face Arsenal, could get a run-out on the right-wing.
Lampard will be tempted to use Michy Batshuayi in attack, but Abraham is high on confidence after his winner against Arsenal and should keep his place in the Chelsea lineup.
Here is how they might line up:
