Chelsea vs Brighton
Premier League 2018-19
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Kick-off time: 7:45pm GMT
Rarely could a manager have won an away game and actually increased the pressure on his future, but that is the position Maurizio Sarri finds himself in this week.
The Chelsea coach was loudly booed by the Blues' travelling fans as they looked to be heading for a shock defeat at Cardiff City on Sunday, but Sarri's side secured a controversial 2-1 comeback win late on to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish.
Despite the win, that match will be remembered for the Chelsea supporters' lack of faith in Sarri's team selection and tactics, and Wednesday night's home clash against Brighton could turn ugly unless the Blues are in form.
Chelsea vs Brighton team news and predicted line-ups
Sarri rested N'Golo Kante and Eden Hazard for Sunday's win at Cardiff, though the duo will likely be restored to the starting XI as Chelsea looked listless without them.
Gonzalo Higuain once again struggled to make an impact, and Sarri will be under huge pressure to drop the Argentine in favour of either dropping Olivier Giroud or utilising Hazard in a false nine role.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was an unused substitute in Wales, and may well be handed his first Premier League start if Sarri is to keep the fans onside.
As for Brighton, Pascal Gross is out of action, though Florin Andone could return.
Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho, Barkley, Willian, Hazard, Hudson-Odoi
Brighton XI: Ryan, Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bernardo, Bissouma, Stephens, Propper, Knockaert, Murray, Jahanbakhsh
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton
Three points at Cardiff did little to paper over the cracks of a poor performance from Chelsea on Sunday, but Sarri's side showed resolve to fight until the final whistle for the win.
Brighton will be confident of taking the game to the hosts in west London and should make a game of it, though Sarri will be confident he has enough on the bench to get another result.
Chelsea vs Brighton tickets
To check ticket availability, click here to head to Chelsea's website.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Chelsea to win: 2/7
- Draw: 5/1
- Brighton to win: 13/1
First goalscorer odds
- Eden Hazard: 16/5
- Olivier Giroud: 7/2
- Willian: 5/1
- Glenn Murray: 9/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will not be televised live in the UK. However, you can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog from the Bridge.
Head to Head history and results (h2h)
Chelsea have won all three Premier League meetings between the two sides, and sealed a 2-1 victory at the Amex back in December.
