Pre-Match Analysis: Brighton set for tricky grudge match at Chelsea
Brighton and Chelsea had a heated meeting last season, with former Seagulls players Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella kept busy on their return to The Amex Stadium. (Photo by Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)

Since Todd Boehly's part-takeover of Chelsea, the Blues have traded Brighton and Hove Albion over £200 million in return for player signings, as well as over £20 million in return for managerial and backroom staff.

This game is not a derby game but there is a growing dislike towards one another and in recent matches, there have been a number of fiery exchanges between players on the pitch, with the likes of former Albion players, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sánchez, at the heart of it.

This is reflected by Chelsea receiving red cards in both Premier League matches between these two last season.

These are two teams who will be battling for Europe again this season and have started the season well under their new managers. 

Chelsea come into this one full of confidence, unbeaten in the Premier League since their opening-day defeat to champions Manchester City.

However, they come up against a Seagulls side who are unbeaten in all competitions, beating Manchester United and drawing away at Arsenal in that time.

It should be a tight contest and that is reflected in the recent record between these two, where both have won two each in the last four matches and the three matches prior to those all ended level. 

  • Chelsea's squad depth

It is no secret that Chelsea have one of the deepest squads in the Premier League after spending over £1 billion in the transfer market since 2022 under Boehly. 

That is perfectly reflected in their previous four matches, particularly in terms of the goalscorers. Nicolas Jackson netted his second goal of the season in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier this month before Christopher Nkunku scored the only goal in their win at Bournemouth.

Jackson then went on to score a brace at the weekend against West Ham before Nkunku hit a hat-trick against Barrow in the Carabao Cup, giving Marseca a tough task ahead of his squad selection this weekend.

Chelsea made 11 changes going into their game against Barrow from the side that beat West Ham 3-0, highlighting how strong their depth is. 

However, one player who is a guaranteed starter in this competitive Chelsea squad is Cole Palmer. 

The youngster has continued his fantastic form from last season into this, already scoring twice and recording four assists in the Premier League. 

Palmer has started every match and he averages 1.3 goals or assists per 90 minutes, which is incredibly impressive but is bettered by his teammate Jackson, who averages 1.47.

Another player who has gone under the radar is one of Chelsea's four current goalkeepers, Sánchez. 

The former Albion number one has been backed heavily by Maresca and that faith has been repaid. Sánchez has gone under the radar as one of the best goalkeepers in the league so far this season.

The Spaniard has kept two clean sheets in the league this season, saving a penalty and seven shots on target in their 1-0 win away at Bournemouth. 

  • Brighton's prolific attack

Brighton are unbeaten in the league this season and a huge reason for that is how prolific they have been in front of goal.

Scoring 15 goals in their opening seven matches in all competitions, they average 2.5 goals per game. 

In their opening four league matches, Hürzeler's side won every game on xG; the only side to do that in the division.

But unlike in previous years, where they have struggled to take their chances, the Seagulls have been able to capitalise on the opportunities they have been creating.

Danny Welbeck looks like a striker reborn, and by scoring three goals already this season he has nailed himself down as the starting striker despite competition from João Pedro, who scored 20 goals last season, and the recently returning Evan Ferguson. 

The 33-year-old is not just outperforming his xG, but his link-up and hold-up play has been exceptional too, creating five chances for his teammates, averaging 85.7% pass accuracy and registering an assist too. 

  • Midfield battle

Despite losing midfielders Yves Bissouma, Alexis Mac Allister, Billy Gilmour and Pascal Gross, and most notably Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for a staggering Premier League record £115m, Brighton have recovered well and seemingly found another gem in the middle of the park to replace the Ecuadorian. 

Carlos Baleba had a good first season under Roberto De Zerbi, who slowly integrated him into the team as the Cameroonian played 1,320 Premier League minutes. 

However, this season he is becoming one of the first names on the team sheet under Hürzeler, seizing his opportunity following James Milner's injury. 

The 20-year-old scored a sensational first goal in English football against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, but it has been his defensive work that has been most impressive. 

Baleba averages over four tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes and also wins over nine duels, making the most of his powerful frame.

In addition to his defensive ability, the midfielder has created 3.82 shot-creating actions per 90 and completes over two dribbles too, highlighting his ability to progress the ball into attack.

The midfielder battle between Caicedo and Baleba is one to keep an eye on this Saturday afternoon.