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Chelsea FC face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight, which will be a massive challenge for the Blues. Chelsea’s poor form has been going on since the last season. The Blues failed to secure a place in European football as they finished the league in 12th place.
Their poor form also continues in this current season. They have won only one of their all six games so far in the English Premier League and lost three. Despite spending the highest amount in the summer transfer window, the Blues keep struggling in the league.
Chelsea face so much criticism for not getting goals. Chelsea have scored only five goals so far in the league, the third lowest in this competition. Only Luton Town and Burnley FC scored fewer goals than Chelsea FC.
Moreover, the Pochettino boys had gone goalless in their last three consecutive games. The last time Chelsea scored a goal was back on August 31, when they beat AFC Wimbledon by a 2-1 margin in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The situation at Brighton & Hove Albion, however, is completely different from Chelsea’s. The Seagulls are literally flying in football. Brighton have won five of their six games in the league so far. With 15 points, the Seagulls are in 3rd in the league table.
Brighton have already defeated teams like Manchester United and Newcastle United in the English Premier League this season. Under Roberto de Zerbi, Brighton have qualified for the UEFA Europa League for the very first time in their history.
Team News
Every team usually rotates their squad in cup games. But Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino can’t afford to give some players rest tonight, as they have so many injury cases in the team. Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, and Marcus Bettinelli are unavailable as they all are injured.
As for Brighton, Pascal Gross and former Liverpool midfielder James Milner are in doubt ahead of tonight’s game. However, manager De Zerbi could start Jason Steele, Adama Lallana, Solly March, Ansu Fati, and Joao Pedro against Chelsea FC.
The Possible Lineup for Chelsea:
Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Fernandez, Sterling; Broja
The Possible Lineup for Brighton:
Steele; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Lallana, Gilmour; March, Fati, Mitoma; Pedro
Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Brighton
Chelsea have been struggling in scoring goals, while Brighton & Hove Albion showed their attacking prowess against Manchester United and Newcastle United. Although Chelsea are the home side, it would be very difficult for the Blues to beat the flying Brighton.
Betfair Odds
Chelsea: 2.29
Draw: 3.80
Brighton: 2.90
Betfair is available on BFB247
