In-form Chelsea will look to extend their winning run on Saturday with a victory at home to Brighton.
The Blues have won three games in a row in all competitions and haven't lost in the Premier League since the opening day, while Brighton are yet to taste defeat in 2024/25.
Match Preview
Chelsea Recent Form
Chelsea have looked good in recent weeks and have three consecutive wins under their belt - beating Bournemouth and West Ham in the Premier League and Barrow in the League Cup midweek. They have scored eight goals in their last two games.
The Blues haven't lost a game in the league since the opening day when Man City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Injury News
Maresca made a raft of changes to his starting XI for the Barrow game so expect big hitters like Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer to return. Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick in that 5-0 win so will be unfortunate not to start versus Brighton, but Jackson has been the preferred striker in the league.
Romeo Lavia is close to a recovery from injury, but Reece James is still out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a persistent thigh injury.
Last Chelsea Lineup
Here's how Chelsea lined up against Barrow.
Brighton Recent Form
Brighton have enjoyed a positive start to life under young manager Fabian Hurzeler as they are yet to taste defeat in the new campaign.
They won their first two matches 3-0 against Everton and 2-1 against Man Utd and subsequently drew three in a row against Arsenal, Ipswich and Nottingham Forest.
They haven't won in the league since the 24th August, but they crucially haven't been beaten either.
They are into the Fourth Round of the League Cup after defeating Wolves 3-2 last week.
Brighton Injury News
New signing Matt O'Riley is out until November after suffering a serious ankle injury just a few minutes into his debut, while Joao Pedro probably won't be passed fit until next week, also due to an ankle problem.
James Milner needs another week or two, also.
Brajan Gruda could finally make a return this weekend, but Solly March has been ruled out.
Last Brighton Lineup
Here's how Brighton lined up against Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea vs Brighton - who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Peter Bankes
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth official: David Webb
VAR: Michael Oliver
Assistant VAR: Natalie Aspinall
Chelsea - Player To Watch
It seems Nicolas Jackson took Chelsea's pursuit of Victor Osimhen personally as he has silenced his doubters with four goals and two assists in five Premier League games so far this season. Nkunku is breathing down his neck after a hat-trick during the week, so the pressure remains for him to continue impressing.
Brighton - Player To Watch
Danny Welbeck is keeping starlet Evan Ferguson out of the team with his performances at the moment and has three goals in five games for the Seagulls, including one last time out versus Forest.
Chelsea vs Brighton - Prediction
This match will serve as a good gauge as to where these two teams are in their development under new managers, but on paper this looks like a fairly even clash. Chelsea have been effervescent going forward at points this season, but Brighton are well-drilled and will fancy themselves to get a draw at Stamford Bridge.
Scoreline prediction - Chelsea 2-2 Brighton
Chelsea vs Brighton - Betting Tips
Over 2.5 Goals Scored
- Brighton have scored four goals in two games away from home this season
- Chelsea have scored eight goals in their last two games and also put six past Wolves earlier in the season
Both Teams to Score
- Chelsea have scored in five of their last six home games, while Brighton have scored in four and conceded in four of their last six away games
