Seeking back-to-back wins in less than a week, Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Chelsea to the Amex Stadium on Friday evening in the Premier League.
The Seagulls eliminated the Blues from the FA Cup last Saturday, winning the fourth-round tie 2-1, but they will be looking to turn their fortunes around in the Premier League after losing their last two matches without scoring. Fabian Hürzeler would have been pleased with his team’s response last weekend after suffering a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest in league play.
The FA Cup victory should give the South Coast side confidence to beat the Blues again, although Enzo Maresca’s squad will be desperate to settle the score this time.
Brighton Team News
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk is a major doubt after being forced off at halftime in the FA Cup win over Chelsea with bruised ribs. He will be evaluated closely in the buildup to Friday’s game.
Igor Julio, Jason Steele, James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Solly March and Mats Wieffer remain sidelined, but Pervis Estupiñán is expected to return for this fixture.
Predicted Brighton Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Bart Verbruggen made a costly mistake last weekend that gifted Chelsea the opening goal in the FA Cup tie, though his teammates bailed him out by winning the game. The Dutchman will be eager to make amends and put in a strong display against the Blues.
Defense
Adam Webster is expected to step in again if Dunk is not fit in time. If he starts, the Englishman will partner Jan Paul van Hecke in central defense. The duo will need to be at their best to contain Chelsea’s attack.
Heading out for one final session before Friday! 👊 pic.twitter.com/Uj6sfYBzIk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 13, 2025
Joel Veltman should feature at right back, while Estupiñán is expected to return and take his place at left-back.
Midfield
Carlos Baleba has been a regular in Brighton’s midfield under Hürzeler. The all-action Cameroonian should partner Yasin Ayari in the center of the pitch. Ayari came off the bench last weekend but is pushing for a start. The duo must keep things simple and recycle possession effectively against Chelsea.
Georginio Rutter scored the equalizer against Chelsea in the FA Cup, but Hürzeler may opt for João Pedro in the No. 10 role instead. This means Rutter could settle for a spot on the bench alongside Matt O’Riley and Brajan Gruda. With his flair, vision, and movement, Pedro could pose a serious threat to Chelsea’s shaky defense.
Attack
The experienced Danny Welbeck is set to lead the Brighton attack again, flanked by the pace and creativity of Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh. The wingers will be tasked with pinning Chelsea’s fullbacks and supplying Welbeck in the box.
Simon Adingra could be an exciting attacking option off the bench if needed.
