Game Week 6 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Brighton?

Chelsea face Brighton at Stamford Bridge with both sides battling inconsistency, injuries, and leaky defenses in a clash that could go either way.

Chelsea will host a team they typically struggle against, with their league form on the decline, they must find ways to deliver the points against Brighton. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Chelsea vs Brighton

Stamford Bridge Stadium

3:00pm

Chelsea halted a run of three games without a win with a hard-fought 2-1 win in midweek against lower-tier side Lincoln; they must find ways to excite again after recent sloppiness.

The chaotic loss at Manchester United last weekend brought lots to unpack; from Robert Sanchez’s moment of madness to Enzo Maresca’s hasty decisions and their late resurgence, this game provides them with an opportunity to impress. Will they pass on that?

Brighton isn’t firing in the league; the Seagulls haven’t exactly done much outside beating Manchester City 2-1 in game week 3. They delivered magic in the League Cup and have been rewarded with a trip to Arsenal in the fourth round; they must focus on their league form in the meantime.

They led 2-0 against Tottenham last weekend and managed to end the game with one point; that represents the bulk of their league season so far. Brighton must learn how to close out games early to avoid slipping further down on the log.

This game is huge for many reasons. It feels like an audition for Brighton players who want to join Chelsea, with the club being a happy shopping ground for the Blues. It’s also a chance to give some of their former players a warm handshake on the pitch.

Chelsea are facing injury issues in some positions, and you wonder if the Club World Cup is telling on them already. Tosin Adarabioyo is nursing a calf problem and could be out till the next international break, while Cole Palmer is also unavailable until then too.

Sanchez is available between the sticks following his midweek suspension, while Marc Guiu could feature upfront. Alejandro Garnacho didn’t impress in midweek; will he be getting a starting role against the Seagulls, or will the manager stick to Tyrick George behind Joao Pedro?

Chelsea has scored 10 times this season in five games, but five of those came in one game. Three of Chelsea’s games this season have ended in both sides scoring, leaving us wondering if Brighton will continue that tradition of the Blues conceding.

For the Seagulls, they always manage to concede. Yakubu Minteh has been the leading light on the right side of the pitch, and Kaoru Mitoma is looking to add to his numbers too. Both sides will relish this one, and it can swing either way.

Verdict: Both teams to score.