Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Chelsea, Brighton
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-27 22:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Lee Smith
Chelsea, the new Club World Cup champion, spent €336 million on signings in the summer transfer window, but their results this season have been disappointing, with only two wins, two draws, and one loss in the league. For this match, Chelsea is severely impacted by injuries and suspensions. First-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is suspended due to a red card, while key players like striker Liam Delap and center-back Levi Colwill are on the injured list. Statistically this season, Chelsea adheres to a possession-based tactic, averaging 62% possession per game (ranked second in the league) and an 88% pass success rate (ranked first in the league). Taking the last league match as an example, even though Chelsea was reduced to 10 men in the fifth minute, they still managed to secure 59% possession overall. Chelsea has consistently been strong at home in the league; their last league home loss dates back to December 26, 2024. Since entering 2025, Chelsea’s league home record stands at nine wins and three draws.
Brighton underwent a rebuild this summer. Last season’s contributor of 10 goals and six assists, striker Joao Pedro, joined their upcoming opponents, Chelsea. New signings forwards Charalampos Kostoulas and Tom Watson have struggled to adapt and have yet to make a league appearance. Compared to last season, Brighton’s strength has significantly declined. This new season, the team has recorded one win, two draws, and two losses in the league. Notably, both defeats occurred away from home, indicating very poor form on the road, a far cry from last season’s team that had the fifth-highest away point tally. Statistically, Brighton averages 13.4 fouls per game, ranking third in the league, showing their tendency to use tactical fouls to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. In the midweek EFL Cup, key players like their highest-valued defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba, the 39-year-old James Milner, and the 34-year-old Danny Welbeck all started, which could affect their physical condition. Furthermore, Baleba, who wants to join Manchester United, has been in conflict with the club, and his form is poor; he hasn’t played a full match all season. For instance, in the last league game, Baleba made two mistakes, the most among the defensive players.
Chelsea is exceptionally strong at home, while Brighton is relative weak away. This disparity in home and away form further widens the gap in quality between the two teams. Considering this is Chelsea’s only home game in September, the players will undoubtedly be fully motivated to put in a strong performance. Chelsea is expected to win comfortably.
Chelsea‘s Last 5 Games: WLLDW
25-09-24 Lincoln City 1-2 Chelsea
25-09-21 Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
25-09-18 Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea
25-09-14 Brentford 2-2 Chelsea
25-08-30 Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Brighton‘s Last 5 Games: WDLWW
25-09-24 Barnsley 0-6 Brighton
25-09-20 Brighton 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
25-09-13 AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Brighton
25-08-31 Brighton 2-1 Manchester City
25-08-28 Oxford United 0-6 Brighton
Head-To-Head Record
25-02-15 Brighton 3-0 Chelsea
25-02-09 Brighton 2-1 Chelsea
24-09-28 Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
24-05-16 Brighton 1-2 Chelsea
23-12-03 Chelsea 3-2 Brighton
Prediction: Chelsea to win