Brighton & Hove Albion go in search of their first win under Roberto de Zerbi when they host Chelsea at the Amex Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.
The Seagulls are on a five-game winless run under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, picking up just two points from a possible 15. They were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, and the recent dip in form has seen De Zerbi’s team drop to ninth in the table.
As Graham Potter prepares to visit his former club, De Zerbi will want his Brighton side to provide a stern test to Chelsea.
Brighton Team News
Kaoru Mitoma has missed the last few games with a foot problem and is set to remain out for Chelsea’s visit to the Amex Stadium. Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman were forced off with injuries in the last game against Man City, which makes them doubtful for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
Jakub Moder remains a long-term absentee for Brighton, who will also be without the services of Levi Colwill as the young defender is ineligible to face his parent club on Saturday.
Predicted Brighton Lineup vs Chelsea (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez is a certainty to start in between the sticks for Brighton as he aims to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea.
Defence
Lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, De Zerbi could be forced to make changes to his side.
Starting with his team’s defence, an injury to Joel Veltman and Levi Colwill’s ineligibility to face Chelsea could open the door for the talented Jan Paul van Hecke to make his first Premier League start of the season.
Van Hecke will then join Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster in a three-man backline in the Brighton lineup, as the Seagulls look to stop an impressive Chelsea side at the Amex Stadium.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo have been solid performers in the middle of the park for Brighton. Against Chelsea, Mac Allister and Caicedo will need to be at their best to help the Seagulls dominate possession.
The wing-backs play a crucial role in De Zerbi’s system, adding energy, invention and impetus to Brighton’s attacks. He could hand Tariq Lamptey a start at right wing-back, with Solly March shifting to the other flank in the Brighton lineup.
Leandro Trossard has performed admirably well as an attacking wing-back in the last couple of games but he could have more of an influence in the final third operating as an advanced playmaker.
Attack
Pascal Gross and Trossard’s combination play in and around the box could cause problems for Chelsea’s defence.
Danny Welbeck will spearhead the Brighton lineup once again given the dearth of options.
The likes of Deniz Undav, Pervis Estupinan, as well as Jeremy Sarmiento, might get some minutes at some stage of the game.