After squeezing past Norwich City in the FA Cup, Chelsea will be hoping for a more convincing performance when they travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Antonio Conte’s men needed penalties to see off their Championship opponents at Stamford Bridge in a game that saw them finish up with only nine men after Alvaro Morata and Pedro were sent off late on.
Match Odds
However, they are clear 4/6 (1.67) favourites with Paddy Power to put that behind them by coming out on top for the first time in six matches here.
Having won just one of their last 12 league fixtures, the Seagulls are 5/1 (6.00) outsiders to add to the negativity surrounding their opponents with a shock victory.
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That stalemate in the cup was a five in consecutive matches for the champions, who are priced at 13/5 (3.60) to be held to yet another draw in this one.
Team News
Conte must now do without Morata and Pedro following their red cards on Wednesday, meaning Michy Batshuayi will likely get another chance up front despite his rumoured departure to Sevilla, while Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill are ruled out through injury.
Opposite number Chris Hughton has a full squad to choose from apart from Steve Sidwell, who is set to miss the rest of the season after sustaining an ankle injury.
Lack of goals
There were audible boos when the referee blew for the end of normal time on Wednesday with the Stamford Bridge crowd having seen their team struggle for cutting edge once again in a frustrating match.
Batshuayi’s single goal was the first the Blues had scored in four matches, although Jamal Lewis’ late equaliser was also the first they had conceded in that same period.
Similarly, the Seagulls have failed to score in eight of their last 11 league games, although have conceded more than twice just once in that run – keeping clean sheets in three out of five at home.
Tips and Predictions
With this in mind, odds of 8/11 (1.73) seem generous on under 2.5 goals being scored for Brighton’s 18th league game in 24 this season, as well as a fifth consecutive fixture for Chelsea.
Under 2.5 goals at 8/11 (1.73) for a 2pt stake with Paddy Power 
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