Brighton vs. Chelsea: Everything You Need to Know Before the Epic Showdown

Chelsea are looking to finally put an end to their dreadful Premier League form when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday evening.

This match has been moved forward due to the Blues' involvement in the FA Cup semifinals this weekend, where they meet long-standing rivals Leeds United at Wembley.

A 7–0 thrashing of League One side Port Vale came in the middle of Chelsea's top-flight losing streak. A 1–0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday means they've now gone four consecutive league matches without finding the net for the first time since 1998. They haven't suffered five straight defeats without scoring since 1912.

Brighton, however, will be eager to get one over on the club that has lured away so many of their finest talents in recent years. From players to executives, Chelsea's current setup carries a strong Seagulls imprint.

Tuesday's hosts needed a 95th-minute leveler to salvage a draw at struggling Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, yet they remain among the Premier League's in-form sides. Not only do Brighton still have ambitions of qualifying for European football next season, but there's also a chance of securing a remarkable Champions League spot should they overtake Chelsea and finish sixth.

Brighton vs. Chelsea Score Prediction

Seagulls to Compound Blues Misery

This is a pivotal match for both clubs, with Chelsea desperate to halt their slide and Brighton keen to move further up the standings.

The Blues' top-five aspirations have been dashed following four straight defeats, but sixth place could prove to be a valuable finishing position come season's end. If Aston Villa claim the Europa League title and finish fifth, the additional Champions League spot will be awarded to whichever side ends up sixth.

Brighton sit just a point behind their upcoming opponents, though they are just one of several clubs confident of overtaking the faltering Blues.

Prediction: Brighton 2–1 Chelsea

Brighton Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Hürzeler has confirmed that Kaoru Mitoma was only dealing with cramp at the weekend and will be available to play on Tuesday night.

The Japanese winger scored Brighton's first-half equalizer at Spurs, having come on after 20 minutes following Diego Gómez's injury. Hürzeler has ruled Gómez out of the upcoming match, though he also downplayed the seriousness of the Paraguayan's knock.

The Seagulls will also welcome back captain Lewis Dunk from a two-match ban, with the Englishman expected to slot in for Olivier Boscagli at the center of the home side's backline.

Georginio Rutter could be handed a start in the No. 10 position following his goal on Saturday, taking the place of Jack Hinshelwood.

Brighton predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadıoğlu; Ayari, Groß; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Brighton

Estêvão's campaign appears to be over after picking up a hamstring injury in Saturday's 1–0 defeat, though Rosenior played down concerns over Enzo Fernández's fitness at the weekend.

Much like Mitoma, the Argentine was battling cramp late in the game after missing the previous two weeks. He is expected to keep his spot in the starting eleven during the week.

João Pedro was absent last time out with a thigh problem, but Chelsea are optimistic he will be fit in time for this midweek clash at his former club. If not, Rosenior may have to rely on the goal-shy Liam Delap on the south coast.

Captain Reece James is expected to miss out once more, with Levi Colwill, Filip Jörgensen and Jamie Gittens also unavailable. Trevoh Chalobah could earn his first start since Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, however.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Brighton (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; Pedro.

What Time Does Brighton vs. Chelsea Kick Off?

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