Football Results

Reigning champions of England drew five previous matches, while Brighton lost just two times at home this season. Let’s add that their recent match played at the Stamford Bridge had ended as a routine victory for the Blues 2-0.

Brighton

After exactly that defeat Brighton was hit by crisis as it out of three following matches this team drew two and lost one, and right now just three points separate them from the drop zone. Coach Hughton can find comfort in fact that his team still plays fairly good at home where it lost this season only to Manchester City and Liverpool, while out of remaining nine home matches Brighton won three and drew six.

Besides, at the same pitch Brighton recently won Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup. It should be said that the difference between them and ninth-placed Everton is just four points, meaning there are many other teams which should worry about their survival in the Premier League. Right because of that it is very important for Brighton to avoid losing to the very good Blues, which is reason why we expect a more carful approach of the home team. Out of action is only from before injured midfielder Sidwell.

Probable lineups Brighton: Ryan – Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong – Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo – Gross – Murray

Chelsea

We have said in the introduction that the guests from London are a bit surreal series of five consecutive defeats, out of which only two were played in the league; with Arsenal away and Leicester at home, so the Blues still have just three points fewer than second-placed Manchester United. Chelsea drew two times with second-division Norwich in the FA Cup but in the end it went further after the penalty shootout, while in the 1st semi-final match of the League Cup it played a goalless draw with Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge.

Fact that Chelsea drew 0-0 even three times in a row is the one that worries its fans the most. It is therefore quite realistic to expect that the club management will bring at least one proven name in the attack before the end of winter transfer window. True, they have already brought offensive midfielder Barkely from Everton, but he is still not fully ready, just like stopper Cahill and midfielder Fabregas. Suspended forwards Morata and Pedro will definitely skip the match with Brighton.

Probable lineups Chelsea: Courtois – Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger – Moses, Drinkwater, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso – Willian – Hazard

Verdict:

Although the reigning champions are hit by smaller crisis, mostly due to weak offensive capabilities, we have decided to play here on their victory over Brighton, which form is in decline and has the most problems with stronger English teams since the beginning of season.

Pick: Chelsea wins 1.68 - 7/10 @1XBet