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Chelsea, the 2020-21 Champions League winners, have been struggling in the Premier League this season, with a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa. In the 2023-24 season, they are currently 14th place, 10 points behind third-placed Brighton. They are only four points clear of the relegation zone and nine points away from the top-four spot.
The Blues’ EFL Cup journey began with an unconvincing victory over AFC Wimbledon, where they had to come from behind to secure a narrow 2-1 win. Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, will be under pressure to deliver an improved performance on Wednesday. Brighton & Hove Albion have started the season in an eye-catching fashion, securing five wins out of six Premier League matches, keeping them within touching distance of giants like Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the standings.
Brighton’s attacking prowess has been a hallmark of their success this season, netting an impressive 18 goals across their opening six outings. Raheem Sterling is expected to play a similar role in the game, having scored four goals in his last six Premier League appearances against Brighton & Hove Albion. Ansu Fati, who made his last game in European club play for Barcelona against Manchester United in February, will likely make his next appearance for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea defeated Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge to advance to the third round of the Carabao Cup. Since 2020, the Seagulls have not lost to the Blues. However, Chelsea’s ambitious squad revamp has been marred by an injury crisis, with key players such as Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, and Marcus Bettinelli sidelined due to injuries.
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Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is expected to make his debut, meaning that Robert Sanchez will not face his former club this Wednesday. Cole Palmer and Ben Chilwell are likely to be restored to the starting XI to bolster the team’s chances. Brighton side injured players Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder will remain sidelined, while James Milner and Pascal Gross are doubtful for the midweek trip to Stamford Bridge.
De Zerbi has shown that he is not afraid to make multiple changes to his starting XI, potentially leading to a fresh-look Brighton side with players like Jason Steele, Adama Lallana, Solly March, Ansu Fati, and Joao Pedro pushing for a starting spot.
