Chelsea manager Graham Potter takes his side back to his former stomping ground having not lost a game in any competition since taking over at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, his former charges have not won a game since he left.
Despite not having registered three points since a 5-2 win over Leicester City on September 4th (Potter's last game in charge), Brighton still sit in ninth place and only four places and six points behind the Blues.
Roberto De Zerbi's men have had a tough run of fixtures since the Italian took over with trips to Anfield and The Etihad Stadium as well as clashes with Tottenham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest but putting the ball in the back of the net has been troublesome. Since the thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool on October 1st, their goal at Eastlands last weekend is the only one in their last four.
Leandro Trossard has scored all four goals for Brighton since Potter's departure with his goal against the champions last weekend adding to his hat-trick at Anfield.
Potter has hit the ground running in West London with three wins and two draws from five league games and, on Tuesday night, secured progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League, which is no mean feat considering his predecessor Thomas Tuchel's last game was the disastrous defeat in Zagreb and Potter's first game was an underwhelming draw at home to Salzburg.
Undoubtedly the biggest key to Chelsea's unbeaten run under their latest manager has been their defence with just four goals conceded in nine games. He has also made a major change in goal by putting his faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga who has started every game under Potter and has kept that place despite Edouard Mendy returning from injury at the beginning of this month. It may well be enough for the Spaniard to earn the number one spot for his country at the World Cup. However, his opposite number on Saturday, Robert Sanchez may have something to say about that!
He has also been able to get the best out of some players who misfired under Tuchel. England fans will be glad to see the return to form of the likes of Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling. At the same time, Trevor Chalobah could force his way into Gareth Southgate's squad as he has continued his incredible record of not having lost a game for his club in any game he has started. Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also be dark horses to make it to Qatar.
Meanwhile, the likes of Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have sparked into life while Chilwell, Cesar Azpilicueta and his former Brighton man Marc Cucurella have thrived as wingbacks.
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Team News
Brighton
Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman were both withdrawn at the Etihad but it is hoped that they will be fit enough for this weekend. On another positive note, De Zerbi may be able to call on Japanese forward Karou Mitoma who has missed the last two games. Jakub Moder, meanwhile, won't play again in 2022.
Chelsea
Chelsea have three long-term absentees in the form of N'Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and Reece James who will all miss the World Cup. Their only real doubt for the trip to the south coast is Kalidou Koulibaly as Potter confirmed that Mateo Kovacic was withdrawn in Austria on Tuesday merely as a precaution and he is expected to be fit.
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Likely line-ups
Brighton
Sanchez, Estupinan, Dunk, Webster, March, Caicedo, MacAllister, Lamptey, Gross, Trossard, Welbeck
Chelsea
Kepa, Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah, Cucurella, Jorginho, Mount, Chilwell, Pulisic, Sterling, Havertz
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Key Players
Leandro Trossard
As previously mentioned, the Belgian international has scored all four goals under Roberto De Zerbi. In a Seagulls team that have found goals hard to come by lately, he will likely be the key if they are to take anything off their former boss. He can operate either on the flank or behind the main striker - likely to be Danny Welbeck.
De Zerbi's men have been relatively solid at the back but, with Chelsea's numerous attacking threats, they may have to fight fire with fire and Trossard's influence will be crucial.
Mason Mount
The England international had not been firing in all cylinders towards the end of Tuchel's time but he has started to show more of the performances that we have come to know since the change of manager.
Mount has been a favourite of Gareth Southgate but, with competition for places in the Three Lions' squad extremely high, his return to form for his club side has come at a good time for the Chelsea number 19.
He scored both goals in the Blues' win at Villa Park a fortnight ago and his attacking prowess could be key again at the Amex Stadium.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is at the American Express Community Stadium, home of Brighton and Hove Albion.
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday
Where can I watch the game?
The game is not live on TV in the UK.