Chelsea vs Brighton
Carabao Cup
Round 4
Wednesday
27th September 2023
Stamford Bridge
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL League Cup fixture between Chelsea and Brighton.
Chelsea vs Brighton: Preview
Chelsea form analysis
The Blues sealed a comfortable 3-0 home win over Luton in the Premier League, with new signing Sterling netting twice. However, they struggled in a 2-1 home win against AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup, requiring a late Fernández winner after going behind to a penalty.
Chelsea’s offensive issues continued in a shock 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in the league. They then drew a blank in a 0-0 away draw at Bournemouth. Most recently, Chelsea suffered another narrow 1-0 home defeat, this time against Aston Villa after Watkins’ second half strike.
Overall, Chelsea have struggled in attack under new manager Graham Potter, scoring just 6 goals in their 5 games. Despite the win over Luton, chance creation has been a real issue. New signings like Aubameyang have yet to make an impact.
Defensively Chelsea have been solid aside from some individual errors. But their lack of cutting edge upfront has led to disappointing results like the defeats to Forest and Villa. If the manager can get his forwards clicking, Chelsea still have the quality to turn their season around. But improved productivity in attack is desperately needed.
Brighton form analysis
Brighton began with a disappointing 1-3 home loss to West Ham, caught out on the counter-attack despite Gross’ late strike. They responded excellently by hammering Newcastle 3-1, highlighted by a Ferguson hat-trick. Their best performance came in a 3-1 away win at Man United, clinical in attack through goals from Welbeck, Gross and Joao Pedro.
However, defensive issues resurfaced in a 2-3 home loss to AEK Athens in the Europa League, with only Joao Pedro’s brace to show in reply. Brighton did bounce back to beat Bournemouth 3-1 at home, thanks to an own goal and a Mitoma brace.
Overall, Brighton have played some excellent attacking football but struggled defensively at times. Ferguson has emerged as a real goal threat from midfield. But lapses in concentration at the back have cost them points and led to defeats. If the side can retain Brighton’s offensive spark while making them harder to beat, a top half finish is very much achievable. But adding greater solidity to complement their flair in attack is crucial for Brighton’s continued progress.
