Having earned a crucial three points at the Emirates Stadium against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Chelsea will be hoping to extend their winning run when they visit the Amex Stadium as they gear up to face Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year’s Day.
The one issue for Chelsea will be the fact that they are facing a Brighton team that are only five points off the drop zone and the Seagulls will put in a proper showing to keep themselves as far away from a relegation battle.
Chelsea still maintains a four-point lead ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United on the Premier League table following the 2-1 win against Arsenal. The Blues have been quite imperious on their travels winning seven out of nine so far and Lampard’s philosophy could be instrumental to guide them to another three points against the Seagulls.
Lampard is unlikely to change up much of the Chelsea starting lineup which beat Arsenal on Boxing Day. But, Jorginho is likely to start this time around after coming off the bench at the Emirates Stadium and inspiring a comeback, while Spanish wing back Marco Alonso, who could be fit in time to play, could slot in the left-back zone.
But Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic still remain doubtful for the first fixture of the year.
Chelsea’s Predicted Starting Line Up- Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Mount, Abraham
