The Stamford Bridge giants returned to the Premier League's top four under Maresca the season before last, also winning the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Enzo was dismissed in the winter, and without him the team plunged all the way down to tenth, missing out on European football. New head coach Xabi Alonso made his debut against Fulham and managed to beat them, although it was far from easy: the match ended 3-2. Luton were then beaten more comfortably, 2-0, in the League Cup.
The south-coast club have been managed by Hurzeler since 2024. On his second attempt, the German guided his side back into European competition. With 53 points, they finished eighth, level with Brentford but behind them on tiebreakers. In the Conference League, the English side beat Tromso 4-0 after a goalless draw in Norway. At the same time, they also scored four unanswered goals against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
The London stars averaged 1.53 goals per game while conceding a relatively high 1.37. Rutter and his teammates scored 1.37 goals per match while conceding fewer, at 1.21.
Head to Head matches: Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion
All four meetings in 2025-2026 were won by Hurzeler's side.
The hosts are considered the favorites. However, a more neutral option here is over 2.5 goals (odds – 1.64).
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion: key statistics and trends
Chelsea have won both of their previous matches this season
Brighton & Hove Albion have won twice by a 4-0 scoreline
Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Possible starting lineups
Chelsea play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Sanchez - Colwill, Lacroix, Acheampong - Hato, Lavia, James, Gusto - Rogers, Palmer - Joao Pedro
Brighton & Hove Albion play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Verbruggen - Boscagli, Dunk, Vuskovic, Wieffer - Ayari, Gross - De Cuyper, Hinshelwood, Gomez - Rutter