Chelsea — Brighton & Hove Albion : Match Preview and Prediction for September 27,2025

Chelsea’s Recent Form and Squad Issues

A challenging week for the “Blues” saw them reduced to ten men as early as the 5th minute in their match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, following a last-man foul by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. This incident contributed to a 0-2 deficit by halftime, though the “Red Devils” later had Casemiro sent off, evening the numbers before the break.

Injury Woes and Tactical Search

Ultimately, a 1-2 defeat marked their second consecutive loss. A rotated squad then faced Lincoln in the League Cup, securing a 2-1 victory, but the performance across halves was mixed, and Londoners’ confidence wasn’t high from the start; the “Aristocrats” had to come from behind to win. It’s clear that Maresca, experimenting with player combinations, is yet to find an effective system. The team also appears fatigued, likely due to their Club World Cup triumph and the consequently shortened pre-season. The upcoming fixture against Brighton will present a significant challenge for Chelsea. Kellyman, the suspended Sanchez, Colwill, Delap, Essugo, Lavia, Mudryk, Badiashile, and Buonanotte will be unavailable for the hosts against the “Seagulls”, while Gui, Palmer, and Achiampong are doubtful. Chelsea faces considerable squad problems, particularly in defense.

Brighton’s New Era Under Hürzeler

Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton, much like Chelsea, is undergoing a rebuild under a new manager for the second consecutive year. The German prodigy, who guided St. Pauli back to the Bundesliga, unexpectedly received an offer from the Premier League and eagerly accepted it. Three victories in their last five games suggest the “Seagulls” are gradually improving, despite occasional inconsistency. However, their past week yielded mixed results.

Offensive Prowess and Minor Absences

First, the visitors squandered a two-goal lead in their home fixture against Tottenham (2-2), but then, midweek, they absolutely dismantled Barnsley with a resounding 6-0 win. Brighton’s attack is clearly in excellent form and will pose a significant threat to Chelsea’s defense. For the London clash, Hinshelwood, March, and Webster will be absent for the visitors – these are not as substantial losses compared to those of the “Aristocrats.”