Brighton v Chelsea Betting Tips: Will new-look Chelsea start with a win?
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Odds and preview for Premier League clash
There are few, if any, clubs around Europe that have strengthened as impressively as Chelsea this summer.
After last year’s transfer ban, they’ve made up for lost time by bringing in Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva, with Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy expected to follow in the coming days.
It’s their biggest spending spree since Roman Abramovich’s first years at Stamford Bridge, which means Frank Lampard is under pressure to deliver now. A top-four spot is the very least that’s expected this season, can they get started with a win at Brighton & Hove Albion?
Chelsea are clear 8/13 favourites, with the draw at 3/1. There’s 19/4 about Brighton getting their first Premier League win over the Blues.
Since Brighton were promoted, they’ve only scored in two of the six meetings between these sides. Another Chelsea win to nil is going for 9/5.
As for goalscorers, Timo Werner 14/5 to open the scoring or 19/20 to net at any point during his debut. Olivier Giroud is 21/20 to net too.
Brighton will be looking to Neal Maupay in the final third. The Frenchman is 12/5 as an Anytime scorer.
Lampard won’t be able to call on all of his new recruits just yet. Werner and Ziyech are in line to start, but Ziyech and Chilwell are both injured, while Thiago Silva has barely trained with his new teammates.
Mateo Kovacic’s suspension means Jorginho should line up alongside N’Golo Kante in midfield. Willian’s departure also paves the way for Callum Hudson-Odoi out wide. Kepa Arrizabalaga may get the nod in goal, as the club look to put him in the shop window before Mendy’s arrival.
They’ve also brought Ben White back into the fold, following his very impressive year on loan at Leeds. White looks set to line up alongside Lewis Dunk in defence, which will help the Seagulls build moves from the back.
But there won’t be any excuses for Lampard if his side don’t head back to London with all three points. For all of his impressive work in bringing through young players, he still has plenty to prove as a manager at the highest level.
He’s now got one of the most exciting attacks around, while the club have also brought in defensive reinforcements to address last season’s issues at the back. The West London club will hope a new era of success begins on the South Coast tonight.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication