Chelsea vs Brighton Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford was a reminder that they remain their own worst enemy. A torrential downpour framed a 2–1 defeat that saw Robert Sanchez sent off early and Enzo Maresca forced into a triple substitution before the 25th minute. The disruption had already torn apart their attacking rhythm, leaving them two goals down before the end of the first half. Trevoh Chalobah’s late header handed them hope alongside the opposition red card, but they couldn’t get one more across the line to save a point away from home.

For all the positives, such as ten goals scored in five games and improved home form at Stamford Bridge, discipline and composure remain glaring weak points. Chalobah has emerged as a defensive leader, but Maresca knows he cannot afford another collapse if Chelsea wants to stay in the top-four conversation.

Brighton’s last league outing told the story of their season so far. From exciting bursts to wasteful when it matters. They raced into a two-goal lead against Tottenham through Yankuba Minteh and a stunning Yasin Ayari strike, only to collapse late and draw 2–2. The crumbling under pressure is something Fabian Hutzler will be furious about.

Besides having just one win in five league fixtures, there were positives. Brajan Gruda impressed on his first league start, linking play and even dropping into defensive spaces, while Kaoru Mitoma and Minteh offered their usual pace on the counter. Yet for all the flair, Brighton’s inability to defend transitions remains their undoing, but they should back themselves, considering they always seem to find the net against their ‘funders’.