[Albion] Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea *** Official Match Thread ***

[Dick Head]

Albion v Chelsea

PREMIER LEAGUE

Venue: The American Express Stadium
Date: Wednesday 15th May 2024
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Referee: Michael Salisbury
Assistants: Richard West, Derek Eaton
Fourth Official: Andy Davies
VAR: Peter Bankes
Additional VAR: James Mainwaring
​

TEAM NEWS

Brighton forward Joao Pedro is fit to face Chelsea after missing the last match because of injury.

However, Joel Veltman sustained an injury against Newcastle and may not play again this season.

Chelsea's Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are back in training and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana , Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez remain on the sidelines.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Brighton have only won two of their 17 league matches against Chelsea - both victories were last season.
• In the reverse Premier League fixture this season, Chelsea defeated Brighton 3-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Albion

• Brighton can finish in the top half of the Premier League for the third consecutive season, after finishing sixth last year and ninth in 2021-22.
• Albion have failed to score more than one goal in any of their last 11 Premier League games - their longest such run since August 2015.
• The Seagulls have only lost three of their home fixtures this season, against West Ham, Arsenal and Manchester City.
• Joao Pedro is one goal short of becoming the fourth player to reach double figures in Premier League goals for Brighton in a season, after Glenn Murray, Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister.

Chelsea

• Chelsea have earned 29 points in 2024, with only the top three clubs accruing more.
• The Blues can win four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since October 2022.
• They have conceded 61 top-flight goals this season, their worst defensive record since 1990-91.
• Cole Palmer has 31 Premier League goals contributions this season, with 21 goals and 10 assists.
• Nicolas Jackson can become the first player to score in four consecutive Premier League games for Chelsea since Mason Mount in December 2021.

Roberto De Zerbi's Chelsea Press Conference

 

[Mortdecai]

 

[GingerBeerMan]

Second!

 

[Insel affe]

its going to be controversial

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

It's got nil-all written all over it

Here's hoping for a bumper attendance of 31,596

 

[OzMike]

I will be asleep for this one and expect to wake to find 1 more point on the table and a bit of controversy over ex brighton players arguing with current ones on the pitch.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

This next game could be season-defining.

 

[Beach Hut]

So excited

 

[Frankie]

2-1 No injuries please

 

[macbeth]

salisbury….oh dear

 

[Flounce]

salisbury….oh dear

Is there a ref we don’t say “oh dear” about these days?

 

[essbee1]

This next game could be season-defining.

Actually Bobbers - I laugh at your usual post on this because it is quite funny, but
tonight it really could be "season defining". I want to beat that scum more than anything.

 

[Perfidious Albion]

It doesn’t matter who they are, we just need to plan to win….and we are capable. They are at best inconsistent so let’s hope they do not have a good day . We can do this …
NB. Should be worth seeing even if only for the chance to boo Chelsea !

 

[WhingForPresident]

Salisbury is definitely going to f*** us over again

 

[jcdenton08]

Through to the next round here lads, no excuses.

 

[Mellotron]

I am actually going to a game of football.

 

[Bry Nylon]

Should be a great day out in the Capital!

Bought myself an e-ticket in the home end off TikTok for £200. (When I loaded it up, the QR code said Pizza Hut, West Kensington - All-day Buffet + bottomless drink, which initially caused me a bit of concern but luckily the guy I bought it off says that's a known fault. For another £75 he can send me a replacment, once the additional funds are in his account).

UTA!

 

[Dick Head]

So excited

were loose

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

I hope Cucurella leaves the pitch crying into his hair again

 

[Paulie Gualtieri]

Food Question

If you buy from one of the outside vendors (fish and chips) are you allowed to take it in the ground with you?

Haven’t used them yet and fancy a change up for my usual “Albion dinner”

Cheers