Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction, odds and betting tips
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from disappointment last weekend when they do battle with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting offer
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion odds
Find the latest match odds for Chelsea vs Brighton. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
⚡Quick Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting tips
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion predictions
Chelsea are still very much a work in progress, as last weekend showed. After a promising run of form which included a victory over Tottenham Hotspur and a draw with Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino’s men were thumped 4-1 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
It was a disappointing display from Chelsea, who could not live with the intensity and dynamism of their opponents.
Defensive mistakes proved costly but the Blues were also inferior in open play, and they could have no complaints about the result.
Pochettino has been quick to defend his players this season, but the manager had some harsh words for the group following the loss to Newcastle.
“We did not show that we were playing for something important,” he said. “It was really easy in the way that we conceded and the way that we were so soft in every single challenge.
"That is what makes me angry and disappointed. We talk about being a young team and we have to learn, but I think these types of games make me very, very, very, very, very angry because it's about showing your personality and character.”
Pochettino will be looking for a response from his charges on Sunday, but the Argentine will have to accept a degree of inconsistency from the youngest squad in the Premier League.
Chelsea have at least had more than a week to prepare for this fixture, whereas Brighton only arrived back from Greece after their latest Europa League assignment on Friday.
Pochettino will hope that gives his team the edge, but this could be a close game between two teams with European ambitions.
📝 Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion betting tips
This should be an entertaining encounter as Chelsea renew hostilities with Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals - 5/6 (bet365)
Brighton beat AEK Athens 1-0 on Thursday to guarantee their participation in the Europa League after Christmas, although it has not yet been confirmed whether they will finish top of the group or second.
The scoreline in midweek was unusual. Brighton’s games in the Premier League have been the most goal-laden of all 20 teams, with 28 scored and 23 conceded - both the joint-fourth most. That works out as an average of 3.92 goals per match.
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What is more, both teams have found the back of the net in each of Brighton’s 13 games to date. They are one of only four sides - along with the promoted trio of Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United - yet to keep a clean sheet this term.
Chelsea edged out Roberto De Zerbi’s side 1-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup, but this promises to be a higher-scoring affair.
The Blues are creating plenty of chances this season: only Liverpool rank higher in the expected goals table ahead of gameweek 14. Attacks are likely to get the better of defences in this one.
⚽ Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 5/6 with bet365 ⚽
Evan Ferguson to score any time - 13/5 (bet365)
Brighton were victorious last weekend, beating Nottingham Forest 3-2 to end a six-match winless run in the Premier League.
It was an important victory for Albion, who will not want to fall too far below the top six as they continue to balance European and domestic commitments.
De Zerbi regularly rotated his team anyway, but he has done so even more often now that Brighton are competing on multiple fronts.
Joao Pedro was the match-winner against AEK Athens as he spearheaded the attack, with Evan Ferguson playing in a slightly more withdrawn role.
The Irishman is likely to lead the line at Stamford Bridge, with Danny Welbeck sidelined until January at the earliest.
He looks like an attractive pick to score on Saturday. Chelsea were poor defensively last time out and they have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last six league outings.
⚽ Select Evan Ferguson as an anytime goalscorer at 13/5 with bet365 ⚽
Nicolas Jackson to be shown a card - 7/5 (bet365)
Nicolas Jackson has had a lively start to his Chelsea career. The Senegal international has scored six goals but missed eight big chances. He has had some bright moments and some frustrating ones.
Jackson leads the way in another category: no other player in the Premier League has been booked as often as the Chelsea frontman, who has received yellow cards.
He may well get another this weekend. Brighton like to build from the back. They try to bait teams forward to press them. It is a high-risk strategy that usually works, but it can backfire.
The enthusiastic Jackson will close down the goalkeeper and centre-backs, hoping to nick the ball or force a turnover in an advanced area.
His timing might not always be right, however, and it would not be a surprise to see him have his name taken after a late challenge.
⚽ Take up odds of 7/5 on Nicolas Jackson being carded with bet365 ⚽
📺 How to watch Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Location: Stamford Bridge, London, England
- Date and time: Sunday 3 December 2023, 2pm
- How to watch: Not being shown live in the UK.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on Twitter @GregLeaFootball
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