UNBELIEVABLE DISCOUNTS AT AMAZON.COM ||
By Nathan Evans
After signing another fairly hefty list of talent over the summer transfer window, many were looking at the task at hand for new manager Enzo Maresca as one likely to be too complicated, but to his credit, he’s guided his team to a return of ten points from a possible 15.
Last time out London rivals West Ham were the victims, as the Blues easily brushed the Hammers aside in an impressive 3-1 showing on the road. That made it three wins from three away from home for Maresca as he became just the eighth new manager in Premier League history to achieve that feat, and the first since Pep Guardiola with Manchester City in 2016.
As such, Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge in fine spirits and with plenty of confidence after also putting five past League Two Barrow in the Carabao Cup during the week. In Brighton, though, they can expect much stiffer opposition. And that’s despite the fact that the Blues won both their meetings with the South Coast club last season.
If that’s not enough, Chelsea have now also won eight of their last ten Premier League matches in a run dating back to last season, and in Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson they possess two of the competition’s most in-form players. Against the Hammers, the pair combined for yet another goal, making it ten since the start of 2023/24 in which they’ve assisted one another, the most of any duo in England’s top-flight over that period.
Of course, visitiors Brighton will still prove to be very tough to break down, especially as they remain unbeaten themselves across their opening five matchdays of this new season. A 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest was the latest result in that streak and although they would have wanted more from that match, they remain a considerable threat to any side in this division under new manager Fabian Hürzeler.
There’s also history to made for the Seagulls here as they look to remain unbeaten across their opening six matches of a Premier League season for the first time. The player most likely to aid that is Danny Welbeck, who netted his 70th goal in the top flight last weekend and his first ever from a direct free kick. With three goals across his last four league outings against Chelsea too, the hosts will have to be aware of his presence throughout this matchup.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.