How should Chelsea line up against Brighton at Fortress Amex?

Since Brighton & Hove Albion returned to the Premier League 18 months ago, they’ve lost just five times at home — once each to Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, and Leicester City. Given Brighton’s resources and relative size, we might as well call the Amex a fortress, especially since the last time Chelsea played there in January (8-4-2 in the 14 games since, which is just about top-four form equivalent). The point is, this won’t be an easy game, even if Chelsea did win 4-0 then.

Fortunately for the Blues, Sarri was able to rotate the whole team, although we may be short-handed in attack now with the probable injury to Álvaro Morata. Other injury concerns include Mateo Kovačić, who limped off against Manchester City last weekend with an apparent upper leg problem, as well as backups Gary Cahill and Victor Moses, both of whom are suffering from injuries or knocks of unknown severity. Kovačić is expected to be fit for Sunday, but that’s not yet confirmed and will probably depend on a fitness test.

This is the second of 7 games in 23 days, although following this one will be a League Cup quarterfinal encounter against AFC Bournemouth, which could yet continue to weekend-midweek rotation pattern.

Choose wisely!

(Live results)