Chelsea intention to bounce again from a primary league defeat of the season at Outdated Trafford final weekend towards a Brighton facet using excessive after changing into the primary staff in League Cup historical past to attain six objectives in back-to-back matches.
BBC Sport examines a few of the key themes going into Saturday’s recreation at Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea’s nightmare first half
Chelsea’s loss to was underpinned by a surreal first half which turned the primary in Premier League historical past to see two or extra objectives, crimson playing cards and substitutions happen.
Robert Sanchez’s crimson card after 5 minutes was the quickest a keeper has been despatched off within the Premier League in 30 years – since Tim Flowers for in 1995 – whereas Chelsea’s three substitutions within the opening 21 minutes (together with Cole Palmer) was the quickest any staff has modified three gamers in a Premier League match.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca stated afterwards that Palmer had not been absolutely match though his elimination compromised Chelsea’s potential to get again into the sport as soon as United midfielder Casemiro had additionally been dismissed for 2 yellow playing cards.
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The Blues have since to win at Lincoln Metropolis within the third spherical of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Maresca made 9 adjustments for the journey to the LNER Stadium and whereas first-team regulars will return at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Chelsea boss is managing the absence of as much as 9 senior gamers, who’re both injured, suspended or ineligible.
Can Brighton replicate EFL Cup efficiency?
Brighton have received simply one in all their previous 12 visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions however might this weekend present a possibility to enhance that document towards an injury-hit dwelling staff who’ve conceded two objectives in every of their final two Premier League outings?
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The Seagulls scored six objectives at within the Carabao Cup earlier this week, following a 6-0 win at in spherical two, however their away type within the prime flight should enhance following defeats at and thus far this season.
Getting the steadiness proper between assault and defence has been one thing of a difficulty for Fabian Hurzeler: Brighton have solely saved one clear sheet of their previous 17 Premier League matches, a 2-0 win over in Could.
Nevertheless, they’re unbeaten of their previous 16 video games when netting the primary objective (W8, D8) – which means an early breakthrough at Stamford Bridge might be essential.
Ought to Brighton upset Chelsea to win the sport, do not be stunned if the winner comes from the Seagulls’ inventory of younger expertise.
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Brighton’s two scorers towards within the 2-2 draw final weekend have been 21-year-olds Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari – one thing of a well-known theme.
Because the begin of the 2023-24 Premier League marketing campaign, Brighton have scored 21 objectives through gamers aged 21 or below – at the least seven greater than every other membership.
Brighton have scored extra objectives through younger gamers than every other Premier League staff in latest seasons [BBC]