“I had to think hard about this” - Chris Sutton predicts scoreline as Chelsea prepare to face Brighton

Pundit Chris Sutton has tipped Chelsea to extend their fine run of form when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday (September 28). The Blues have won each of their last three games in the league and Carabao Cup, and the pundit expects them to win this one, as well.

Chelsea made light work of West Ham United in their most recent league game, winning by three unreplied goals at a famously difficult venue. Enzo Maresca's side are currently in fifth place in the league, three points off leaders Manchester City.

Sutton wrote his column for the BBC, where he predicted the result of the match between the Blues and the Seagulls. He tipped Maresca's side to pick up a narrow 2-1 win as they have put their off-the-field troubles behind them, with Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson thriving.

He wrote:

"Chelsea deserved the criticism they got when their performances were all over the place, so people need to give them praise now they are playing well.

"There is still some turbulence at the top level, in terms of the power struggle that seems to be going on in the boardroom, but you cannot fault what they are doing on the pitch.

"I have struggled to predict their results in the past, and for good reason, but hopefully that will start to get easier now they are showing the consistency they had previously been missing.

"Having said all that, this is still a very tricky game to call. Brighton have also made a decent start, and they will definitely carry a threat.

"So, I had to think hard about this but I am going to for a narrow Chelsea win, with Cole Palmer to do the business for them, and Nicolas Jackson to carry on his good form too."

Brighton have yet to lose in the league this season, winning twice and drawing three games despite having faced Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United. Their 31-year-old manager, Fabian Hurzeler, was named as the league's manager of the month for August after his impressive start to life in England.

Chelsea won both games against the Seagulls under Mauricio Pochettino in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season. With three successive clean sheets and nine goals scored in that time, the Blues can put a first entry into Brighton's loss column.

Brighton boss avoids touchline ban for Chelsea tie

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has avoided a touchline ban and is set to be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. The former St. Pauli manager was sent off in his side's 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Hurzeler confirmed in his press conference that he will be on the touchline for the game against the Blues on Saturday. He revealed that his sending off did not warrant a ban, and he has been required to pay a fine after a discussion with PGMOL chief Howard Webb.

The young manager will take his place on the bench with his team when they face Chelsea, and he will be looking to extend his unbeaten start to life in England. He will hope to take inspiration from predecessor Roberto De Zerbi, who defeated the Blues home and away in the 2022-23 season.