Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats for Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
When Chelsea hosts Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Frank Lampard's second tenure as manager will be looking to pick up his first victory.
With Gameweek 31 starting in the Premier League, the games are still coming thick and fast around Europe. The first game in the most recent round of games is between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will play host to Brighton & Hove Albion as the action continues in the capital.
The 2022–23 season for Chelsea has been historic, with Frank Lampard serving as the team's fourth manager. Graham Potter quit about two weeks earlier, while Thomas Tuchel passed away less than a month into the season.
Before Frank Lampard came back to serve as the temporary coach for the match against Liverpool, Bruno Saltor served as the interim manager. Chelsea has lost both games so far, therefore Lampard's second tenure has not gone as well as he had hoped. The Blues will also aim to finish the season strongly as they continue their hunt for a new boss.
Brighton & Hove Albion, on the other side, have had a great start to this season. When Potter joined Chelsea, Roberto De Zerbi took Potter's place. Additionally, the Seagulls have made significant strides under the Italian strategist, raising his standing in the process. Despite playing two fewer games than Tottenham in fifth place, they remain seven points behind them.
In the rematch, Brighton & Hove Albion dominated Chelsea, winning 4-1 at the Amex Stadium. Leandro Trossard and Pascal Gross scored goals for the Seagulls, while the game featured two own goals. Kai Havertz scored the winning goal in the meantime. In advance of the most recent meeting between the two sides, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the clash.
Tactics & Team News
Frank Lampard's preparation for his team's most recent match is being hampered by a new injury problem. On Saturday, the Chelsea boss will be without the services of three first-team players when they face Brighton & Hove Albion.
Kalidou Koulibaly is the most recent absentee after suffering a hamstring injury this week while playing against Real Madrid. For the foreseeable future, the Senegalese defender won't be able to play. Koulibaly has joined Armando Broja (knee) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knock) on the sidelines.
Due to the frequent changes in games, Lampard will probably change up his lineup to keep his men fresh. N'Golo Kante, whose fitness has been a big issue for Chelsea this season, will be foremost among these players.
On Saturday, Kante will not make the team's debut against Brighton; Mason Mount will likely take his position in the starting lineup. In the center of the park, the English international should assemble with Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandez.
After favoring the 3-5-2 configuration against Real Madrid, Lampard should switch to a 4-3-3 formation. Thiago Silva should be rested by Lampard among all the changes, and Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana should team up as the central defensive partnership. The two full backs should be Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
Lampard is contemplating switching goalkeepers in the meantime. Additionally, Edouard Mendy, who is currently in the prime of his Chelsea career under Lampard, ought to take Kepa Arrizabalaga's place in goal. Finally, Kai Havertz should return to the offensive unit, with Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix rounding out the lineup in the final third.
Mendy, James, Wesley Fofana, Badiashile, Chilwell, Mount, Fernandez, Kovacic, Sterling, Havertz, and Felix make form the likely (4-3-3) lineup.
