Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion: The Blues Aim for Victory at Stamford Bridge

JAKARTA - Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion will return to the Premier League this weekend after both progressing in the EFL Cup. This heated duel will take place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, September 27th, with Chelsea aiming to bounce back from their league defeat. Meanwhile, Brighton will be looking to improve their poor away record this season.

Chelsea recently narrowly escaped a tough encounter against League One side Lincoln City. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Blues managed to turn the game around through Tyrique George, who scored a spectacular goal and provided an assist for Facundo Buonanotte to secure a 2-1 victory.

Although their performance has been inconsistent, this win is crucial for Enzo Maresca's team after suffering two consecutive defeats in the league and Europe. Furthermore, Chelsea is maintaining a good record at Stamford Bridge, unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League home matches, with seven clean sheets in their last nine.

Meanwhile, Brighton have been in impressive form in the EFL Cup. Fabian Hurzeler's side thrashed Barnsley 6-0 thanks to a phenomenal performance from Diego Gomez, who scored four goals, including two long-range strikes. This record made him the first player to score a quattrick away from home in the League Cup since Julio Baptista with Arsenal in 2007.

However, Brighton's Premier League form has been far from consistent. They have only won once in five matches and last week had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Tottenham after throwing away a two-goal lead. Furthermore, the Seagulls have yet to pick up an away point this season. However, Brighton can be confident, having beaten Chelsea twice in a row in the FA Cup and Premier League last February.

Chelsea can count on Robert Sanchez again in goal after serving a suspension for his early red card against Manchester United. However, Cole Palmer remains a doubt due to a recurring groin injury, while Facundo Buonanotte is unavailable due to his loan from Brighton.

Maresca will also be without Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspension), Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo, all of whom are injured.

For Brighton, Diego Gomez is almost certain to be in the starting XI after his impressive performance in the EFL Cup. Maxim De Cuyper could return, but Solly March, Adam Webster, and Jack Hinshelwood remain sidelined through injury.

Consistency at Stamford Bridge is a major asset for Chelsea, especially with their solid defense, having had three consecutive clean sheets at home. Brighton may offer tough resistance through Gomez and Mitoma, but their poor away record could be a deciding factor.

Projected Lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Pedro.

Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Gomez, Mitoma; Rutter.

Score Prediction

Chelsea 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion