Frank Lampard’s Chelsea faces Brighton with Chelsea the clear favorites to win the season opener match after big-money moves. The former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana and Ben White, who excelled on loan at Leeds last season, are in line for their debuts for Brighton. Brighton will be aiming to start the league with a surprise.
Frank Lampard’s side last visited Amex Stadium only a fortnight ago, when 2,500 home fans were permitted to attend the match. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after Chelsea conceding a late Christian Gross penalty. Timo Werner scored the only goal for the Blues from a superb move started by Hakim Ziyech.
Chelsea has never lost against Brighton in Premier League. They have won nine while drawing one. The Blues have faced Brighton more times without ever losing than they have against any other side in their league history. Given the circumstances, the match should go in Chelsea’s favor.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Monday 14th September
Time: 7 pm GMT
Venue: Amex Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Notable absentees include Kovacic who is suspended as he picked up a card in FA Cup Final. New signings Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech are injured. Ziyech picked up a knee injury during the pre-season friendly match. Thiago Silva will also miss the match due to a lack of match fitness.
It is of much debate who will stand between the sticks. Lampard needs to decide if he will give Kepa a chance or not. Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are likely set to start the game which could be their debut match for Chelsea.
