Brighton were the team that started Chelsea’s winless run behind a stoppage-time equalizer from Danny Welbeck on December 29th. Since then, Chelsea have drawn versus Liverpool and lost to Manchester City while falling 13 points off of the title pace. On the other hand, Brighton took down Everton and drew with Crystal Palace, and are in the middle of a four-match unbeaten run.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18 | Time: x3:00 p.m.
- Location: Amex Stadium — Brighton, England
- TV: USA Network | Live stream: fuboTV (free trial)
- Odds: Brighton +400; Draw +260; Chelsea -135 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea
Storylines
Brighton: If Brighton’s long-term objective is wanting to compete for a European place, these are games that Graham Potter has to have them prepared for. Their defensive statistics have been impressive, with only four teams allowing fewer goals on the season, but offensively, Brighton have had trouble scoring unless it is time to net a late equalizer. If they can play every game like they’re down 1-0 in the 89th minute, Brighton may be unbeaten but as that’s not possible, they’ll hope that Tariq Lamptey’s return to the lineup will be enough to get Neal Maupay and Leandro Trossard going.
Chelsea: Their struggles have been overblown but concern is also warranted for a team that should be challenging for the Premier League title. Losing to City happens to the best of teams, as does drawing with Liverpool, but Chelsea will look back at the month of December and wonder what could have been. Drawing with Everton, who now doesn’t have a manager, Wolves, and losing to West Ham looms large. Those matches would’ve provided enough points to challenge for the Premier League title. While a loss to Brighton won’t push Thomas Tuchel out the door, it certainly will make his seat warmer.
Prediction
Everything is perfectly balanced with Brighton as Chelsea will find a goal but Romelu Lukaku will still struggle. Pick: Brighton 1, Chelsea 1.
