Chelsea vs Brighton – Chelsea will look to reignite their Premier League push this weekend when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge. After back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and Champions League, the Blues are under pressure to respond positively. Their midweek Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln City provided a morale boost, but Enzo Maresca’s side knows that league consistency is what will truly define their season.
One source of optimism for Chelsea is their excellent home record. Stamford Bridge has become something of a fortress in recent months, with the team unbeaten in their last 12 league fixtures on home soil. They are also chasing a fourth consecutive clean sheet in front of their supporters, a stat that underlines their defensive resilience at home despite their struggles elsewhere.
Brighton, however, arrive with some confidence of their own. The Seagulls have already beaten Chelsea twice in 2025, though both victories were secured at the Amex Stadium. Their form in London tells a different story. Historically, Brighton have found it extremely difficult at Stamford Bridge, managing just one win in 12 visits. They have lost nine of those trips, including the last three consecutively, a record that Chelsea will hope to extend.
Team news plays a key role in the buildup. Brighton have been boosted by the return of several important players. Mats Wieffer, Maxim De Cuyper, Brajan Gruda, and Yankuba Minteh are all back in contention, strengthening Roberto De Zerbi’s options in midfield and attack. However, the Seagulls remain without Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster, and Solly March, who are all sidelined through injury.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are dealing with more significant squad challenges. Their injury list remains long and concerning. Cole Palmer, one of the team’s standout performers this season, is ruled out until after the international break due to a groin injury. Defensive absences also continue to mount. Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Liam Delap are all unavailable, leaving Maresca short on reliable options at the back.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are undergoing late fitness checks and could return to the squad if they pass assessments. Their inclusion would provide much-needed depth in defense and midfield. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will miss the game through suspension, forcing Chelsea to rely on their backup option between the posts.
Despite these challenges, Chelsea will be buoyed by the fact that they remain strong at home and have historically dominated Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Their ability to maintain clean sheets in recent home matches suggests that, even with absentees, they still have the defensive organization to frustrate opponents.
For Brighton, this fixture represents an opportunity to prove they can carry their recent success against Chelsea beyond the Amex and into one of the league’s toughest away grounds. With key players returning, they will feel more competitive than in recent weeks, but breaking their London hoodoo will require a disciplined and clinical performance.
Ultimately, the game pits Chelsea’s resilience at home against Brighton’s ambition to make a statement on the road. For Maresca, securing three points is about more than bouncing back from defeats—it is about reasserting control over a season that risks losing momentum. For Brighton, it is a chance to rewrite their history at Stamford Bridge and show they can take their fight to the capital as well.
The stakes are high for both sides. Chelsea are desperate to re-establish themselves among the league’s frontrunners, while Brighton are determined to prove they can compete away from home against a traditional heavyweight. The contest promises intensity, tactical battles, and no shortage of drama as both sides look to leave Stamford Bridge with more than just pride.
