Brighton v Chelsea: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Chelsea's top-six hopes were boosted on Saturday as they went level on points with Newcastle following their dramatic win over Nottingham Forest, just a few hours after the Magpies failed to beat Brighton. 

The Blues have the opportunity to do what Newcastle couldn't as they take on the Seagulls on Wednesday, with Mauricio Pochettino's men likely to keep up their brilliant form. 

Brighton v Chelsea betting tips and predictions

Chelsea to win @ 19/20

Following an excellent 2022/23 campaign, Brighton have endured a tumultuous time this season.

Injuries have been the main cause of their problems but misfiring strikers, defensive errors, a disappointing shot at the Europa League and inconsistent league form have made for a season of regression for the Seagulls. 

The uncertainty surrounding Roberto De Zerbi's future adds an extra layer of intrigue around Brighton and they are a difficult side to predict at the moment. The aim now, however, is to end the season strongly, which they are certainly giving a good go. 

After a run of six games without a win, which included heavy defeats to Arsenal, Bournemouth and Manchester City, the Seagulls have beaten Aston Villa and drawn away at Newcastle in their last two outings. However, in the grand scheme of things, it is still just one win in eight for De Zerbi's men, and their visitors arrive in much better nick. 

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 13 league games and have taken 29 points in the Premier League in 2024, with only the top three of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool tallying more since the turn of the year. 

Key players are returning from injury every week and their extravagant squad is finally beginning to look like a cohesive unit. The Blues are unbeaten in four, a run which began with a spirited 2-2 draw with Villa and includes a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham and a convincing 2-0 victory over Spurs. 

Chelsea's attack has looked potent in recent weeks, averaging three goals a game over the past six matches, and that could prove to be the difference. 

Brighton have failed to score more than one goal in a game during their last 14 in all competitions, suggesting they could struggle to outscore the potent Blues on Wednesday. 

Nicolas Jackson to score @ 15/8

As aforementioned, Chelsea's attack is finally beginning to look like a unit to be feared, with Nicolas Jackson spearheading that improvement. 

The Senegalese forward came under plenty of scrutiny early on in his Premier League career but he is beginning to prove his doubters wrong. He has grabbed four goals in his last three games, including a brace in Chelsea's 5-0 thrashing of London rivals West Ham. 

Jackson will be high on confidence after netting the Blues' late winner at Forest on Saturday evening, which was also significant as it was set up by Reece James, who was making his first appearance since December. 

The 22-year-old will only get more chances as Chelsea's key creators return from injury, which makes him a big threat for the remaining two games of the season and heading into next term. 

Only Erling Haaland (21.3) has more non-penalty expected goals than the Senegalese star's 17.1 in the Premier League this term, showing how often he gets himself into great positions. 

Jackson netted the winner in Chelsea's EFL Cup win over Brighton earlier in the season and he looks a solid bet to continue his fine scoring form in this clash. 

Over 4.5 cards @ 4/5

The reverse fixture saw a huge 10 yellow cards and one red dished out at Stamford Bridge and another feisty affair could be in store on Wednesday. 

No side has received more yellow cards than Chelsea in the Premier League this term, with the Blues being cautioned 101 times, but Brighton are not too far behind in that aspect, sitting fifth in that leg of the disciplinary table with 88 yellows. 

Michael Salisbury has the unenviable task of being the man in the middle for this clash between two combative sides and his card statistics make for interesting reading.

He has dished out an average of only 3.85 yellow cards per game in the Premier League this season, but his figures grow exponentially when looking at his matches including Brighton and Chelsea. 

The last Brighton game he refereed in saw eight yellow cards brandished while his sole Chelsea assignment saw five dished out, suggesting there could be over 4.5 cautions in Wednesday's clash.

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Brighton v Chelsea odds

Brighton - 23/10 
Draw - 3/1
Chelsea - 19/20

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.