Premier League 25/26: Chelsea vs Brighton Match Preview, Prediction, Live Score & Lineups
This match pits Chelsea (currently 6th in the table) against Brighton & Hove Albion (sitting 14th). Chelsea are looking to bounce back from their first league defeat of the season and solidify their impressive home form, being unbeaten in their last 12 home Premier League games. However, the Blues are battling a significant injury crisis, including the absence of key forward Cole Palmer. Brighton, despite having won only one of their five league outings this season, are coming off a resounding 6-0 cup victory and are desperate to secure their first away points of the campaign.
Kick-Off Time
Competition - Round: Premier League - Matchweek 6
Kick-off (GMT): 14:00 (2:00 PM), Saturday, 27 September 2025
Stadium, Location: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: Darren England
Match Facts & Key Numbers
Head-to-Head (All Time): Chelsea hold the historical advantage with 16 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses in 26 competitive matches against Brighton.
Recent History: Brighton have beaten Chelsea in their last two meetings in 2025 (both at the Amex), including a significant 3-0 Premier League victory in February.
Stamford Bridge Fortress: Chelsea are exceptionally strong at home, but Brighton did manage one of their rare wins at the Bridge in April 2023.
Key Absences: Chelsea will be without star attacker Cole Palmer (groin), Wesley Fofana (concussion), and Tosin Adarabioyo (calf), putting immense pressure on João Pedro to lead the line against his former club.
Brighton's Goal Threat: Brighton's attack is finding form, having scored six goals in their recent cup demolition, but they have lost both of their away league games this season.
Possession vs. Counter: Chelsea dominate possession (averaging 61.4%), while Brighton's counter-attacking threat remains potent, demonstrated by their ability to beat Manchester City earlier in the season.
Match Prediction
This fixture has historically been high-scoring and often chaotic. While Chelsea's home record is formidable (unbeaten in 12 PL home games) and they possess deep squad quality, the absence of Cole Palmer is a major blow to their creativity. Brighton's midweek 6-0 win proves their attack is firing, and they often cause big clubs problems. Given Chelsea's defensive resilience at Stamford Bridge combined with Brighton's struggles to secure an away league point this term, I anticipate a narrow, high-octane win for the hosts.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
