Amex Stadium free use image Google

Brighton have made a fortress of their home this season and will look to beat one of the Premier League big boys at the Amex Stadium on Sunday when Mauricio Sarri’s Chelsea come visiting. Chelsea are heading to the home of the Seagulls from a 2-0 win over Champions Manchester City in their last league game and will be full of confidence playing against a team sitting in the second half of the table.

Chelsea’s display against City was full of heart and belief as they condemned Pep Guardiola’s side to their first loss of the season last week. While Sarri rested the majority of his starting XI in the 2-2 draw against Vidi in their midweek Europa League fixture, the Italian would have achieved his purpose of giving the core of his team a much needed rest for the gruelling Christmas fixtures around the corner. The Blues have won 14 of their last 23 games and lost only 3 of those. If Chelsea lose on Sunday, they would have lost 3 successive away games in the Premier League for the first time since March.

Sarri will be aware of Brighton’s home form. The Seagulls are a very strong team at the Amex, losing only to Tottenham there all season. Manchester United suffered a humiliating 3-2 loss to the south coast side at the Amex in September in a fixture that will live long in the memories of Brighton fans. Chris Hughton’s side are in 13th place with 21 points from 15 games played and have won 3 of their last 4 games at home.

Brighton’s key player is Glen Murray. The 35-year old might have lost a yard of pace but he remains a dangerous poacher in front of goal. He has 8 goals to his name this season and any chance of Brighton winning this game will rely heavily on him.

Chelsea’s season started on a solid note but form and results have slightly tapered off in recent weeks. The Blues have 2 wins in their last 5 outings in the Premier League and despite last Saturday’s huge victory over City, they are still in 4th place and are 8 points off league leaders Liverpool. While results staggered, eyebrows were raised over Sarri’s style of play and his choice of Jorginho over Kante at the base of his midfield. Those doubts though have been nipped in the bud at least for the moment with last week’s win and fans will expect the Blues to go on a winning run again.

Team News

Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata limped off in the first half in their midweek Europa League game and is a big doubt for this one. The striker seemed to have cupped a knee injury from an awkward landing towards the end of the first half. Matteo Kovacic injured his thigh during the win over City last week and has not trained this week.

Glen Murray is available for selection while Alireza Jahanbakhsh has also made a recovery from a hamstring injury. Shane Duffy will be missed as he is suspended while Jose Izquierdo could be in contention after suffering a knee injury.

Verdict

Chelsea have their best 100% record over a single opponent in league history against Brighton having won each of their 6 games against the Seagulls in league history. Brighton have lost each of their last eight games against the Blues in all competitions, conceding 18 goals and scoring just once. The Seagulls have their work cut out for them on Sunday afternoon if they are to record a first win over Chelsea since January 1933 a 2-1 home win in the third round of the FA Cup. Still, the Blues should be too hot for Brighton to handle.