Chelsea will be determined to avenge their recent FA Cup exit when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Valentine’s Day.
The Blues suffered a painful 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls last Saturday, making this Premier League clash a chance for redemption.
Enzo Maresca’s side will need a strong response to avoid back-to-back defeats against the same opponent and to keep their European qualification hopes alive. Here is your Brighton vs Chelsea preview.
Brighton vs Chelsea preview
Match Details
- Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 UK / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Stadium: Amex Stadium
- Competition: Premier League
- How to Watch:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
- United States: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO
Current Form
Chelsea
Chelsea’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and two losses in their last four matches across all competitions:
- Feb 8: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup) – Defeat
- Feb 3: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham (Premier League) – Win
- Jan 25: Man City 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League) – Defeat
- Jan 20: Chelsea 3-1 Wolves (Premier League) – Win
The Blues have struggled defensively, conceding in each of their last four games, while their attack has been hit-and-miss. The loss to Brighton in the FA Cup was a setback, but wins over West Ham and Wolves have shown their ability to bounce back.
Brighton
Brighton’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with two wins and two losses in their last four matches:
- Feb 8: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup) – Win
- Feb 1: Nottm Forest 0-7 Brighton (Premier League) – Win
- Jan 25: Brighton 0-1 Everton (Premier League) – Defeat
- Jan 19: Man United 3-1 Brighton (Premier League) – Defeat
The Seagulls have been unpredictable, delivering a statement 7-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest but also suffering back-to-back defeats to Everton and Manchester United. Their FA Cup victory over Chelsea, however, will give them confidence heading into this fixture.
Team News & Selection Headaches
Chelsea
Chelsea’s squad remains stretched due to injuries and suspensions:
- Benoît Badiashile & Wesley Fofana – Both remain out with long-term injuries.
- Romeo Lavia – Sidelined with a muscle problem.
- Marc Guiu – Ruled out with an adductor injury.
- Nicolas Jackson – A major doubt after suffering a hamstring issue.
- Mykhailo Mudryk – Provisionally suspended.
- João Félix – Loaned to AC Milan.
Maresca may turn to Christopher Nkunku to lead the line, with Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho providing attacking support.
Brighton
Brighton also have multiple injury concerns ahead of the game:
- Igor Julio – Out for the season after hamstring surgery.
- James Milner – Sidelined indefinitely with a thigh issue.
- Jason Steele – Recovering from shoulder surgery.
- Ferdi Kadioglu – Ankle injury, out until March.
- Solomon March – In rehabilitation, aiming for a return later this month.
- Pervis Estupiñán & Mats Wieffer – Doubts for the match.
- Lewis Dunk – Facing a late fitness test due to a back issue.
Key Battles
Cole Palmer vs. Carlos Baleba
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout performer this season, with 14 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him the Blues’ most dangerous attacking outlet, and stopping him will be Brighton’s top priority. That responsibility will likely fall to Carlos Baleba, who has been a defensive powerhouse in midfield. The Brighton enforcer has won 223 duels, made 89 tackles, and recorded 49 interceptions in the league this season.
Baleba’s ability to disrupt Chelsea’s attacking flow could be crucial in preventing Palmer from dictating play in the final third. However, Palmer’s technical brilliance and knack for producing moments of magic in tight games could still prove decisive. Brighton will need Baleba at his best if they want to keep Palmer quiet.
Kaoru Mitoma vs. Reece James
Reece James’ return to Chelsea’s lineup is a massive boost, but he faces a tough challenge in Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese winger is one of Brighton’s most dangerous players, known for his quick feet, sharp movement, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Since joining Brighton in 2022, Mitoma has thrived in their counter-attacking system, often exploiting spaces left by attacking full-backs.
James, who has spent much of the season sidelined with injury, will need to be sharp both defensively and in transition. His ability to track Mitoma’s runs and recover quickly will be crucial in limiting Brighton’s attacking threat. If Chelsea can successfully contain Mitoma, they will significantly reduce Brighton’s chances of breaking through. However, if James struggles to keep up, Mitoma could be the difference-maker for the Seagulls.
Prediction
With Brighton’s confidence high after knocking Chelsea out of the FA Cup and their impressive recent win over Nottingham Forest, they will fancy their chances at home. However, Chelsea’s need for a response and their attacking quality could make this a tightly contested battle.
🔵 Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Chelsea – Expect an open game with both sides creating chances, but Chelsea’s defensive issues might prevent them from securing all three points.
