Brighton v Chelsea predictions: Potter to come back to haunt Seagulls

Hosts may struggle to hurt solid Blues

Graham Potter's Chelsea could be involved in a thriller

Graham Potter takes his Chelsea team to old club Brighton on SaturdayCredit: Darren Walsh

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Brighton v Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bet

Chelsea
1pt 6-4 Betfair, Betfred

Team news

Brighton
Joel Veltman is unlikely to feature due to a calf injury but Adam Lallana and Kaoru Mitoma are both pushing to be involved. Jakub Moder is a long-term absentee.

Chelsea
Mateo Kovacic's calf injury isn't a serious as first feared and he could play. N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Reece James are out.

Preview

There’s been little to enjoy about life after Graham Potter for Brighton and the former Seagulls favourite could really rub his old employer's nose in it when he returns to the Amex with Chelsea.

Chelsea are unbeaten in nine games since Potter swapped coastal life for the capital and the Blues return to domestic action buoyed by having sealed qualification to the Champions League last 16 with a win in Salzburg on Tuesday.

Chelsea’s success in Austria made it four wins in five away games under Potter with his new charges netting exactly twice in each of those victories.

One goal may be enough to see off Brighton, though, as the Seagulls have netted just once in four games since a 3-3 draw at Liverpool in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game after succeeding Potter.

De Zerbi is yet to chalk up a win in five games in charge, and the Seagulls' lack of cutting edge is a major concern against a Chelsea side who have the division’s second-best away record and have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven in all competitions.