The new 20/21 Premier League season is finally upon us, and the final fixture of gameweek one sees Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton this Monday night. The matchup promises to be an intriguing one as there are multiple factors at play. For starters, the two sides met in a pre-season a friendly a couple of weeks ago – a tie which ended 1-1 after ninety minutes. In terms of momentum, both teams will be eager to get their campaigns off to the right start, but at least on paper, Chelsea do seem to have a serious edge.
Team News
Brighton
The Seagulls are coming into this tie without too many first-team casualties to be worried about. The only name who is a doubt for the opening league game of the campaign is Davy Propper, who is unlikely to be risked given the lack of game-time he’s had. Apart from that, there are only a couple of other players who have been ruled out from contention. Christian Walton’s swollen ankle means that he’s sure to play no part in the tie, while Jose Izquierdo’s knee problem will keep him out of the team for the time being as well.
Predicted Lineup: Ryan; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; Lamptey, Stephens, Lallana, Burn; Trossard; Connolly, Maupay
Chelsea
The Blues’ injury list is looking a lot more intimidating that Brighton’s as they have a whopping number of first-team names currently unavailable for selection. Mateo Kovacic is suspended after his sending off in the FA Cup final, while Thiago Silva is yet to start training with his new club. Ben Chilwell arrived in west London with an existing heel problem, while Hakim Ziyech picked up a slight knock during the friendly. Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic are both expected to return, but young Billy Gilmour remains on the road to recovery.
Predicted Lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Havertz, Pulisic, Werner, Hudson-Odoi
Here Is The Brighton Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview:
Brighton Vs Chelsea Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Brighton
The Seagulls have strengthened quite a bit defensively since the end of last season, with the acquisition of Joël Veltman standing out. Not just that, but the return of Ben White after his loan stint away from the AMEX has also come as a boost. With their defensive solidity maintained from last season, the onus will be on the attacking players. Expect Graham Potter’s side to be as expansive and creative on the ball as possible. They will also try to exploit spaces down the flank – something Chelsea are sure to leave with the personnel they’ve got.
Chelsea
The London club transfer dealings over the summer have largely been attack-oriented. Neither of their marquee defensive signings will be ready for this fixture, which means that all eyes will be on the latest acquisitions. Expect Frank Lampard’s men to dominate possession of the ball right from the off, with Brighton being forced to work with crumbs. The London club are likely to win the midfield battle as well, with N’Golo Kante expected to start as the pivot. The pace of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner will be useful too, but their lingering defensive fragilities from last season will be a concern.
Key Men
Brighton
For all the defensive security that this Brighton team offers, it must be conceded that their biggest threat is that of English striker Neal Maupay. The last-gasp winner against Arsenal last season was an indicator of the quality he possesses, and a similar display against Chelsea could see the Blues’ defenders struggle against his direct approach to the game.
Chelsea
There has been a lot of talk about the new signings potentially being handed their debuts during this tie. Although that might be the case, the one player that Chelsea need to be at his best is French midfielder N’Golo Kante. The World Cup winner’s defensive contributions will be essential to Lampard’s side if they hope to kick the season off in the right manner.
