Chelsea travel to the south coast tonight, desperate to end a goal drought that has paralysed their season.
The Blues have failed to find the net in their last four Premier League matches. Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester United was their fourth consecutive league defeat. Liam Rosenior’s side have seen their form nose-dive since early March. They are now seven points behind the top five with only five games remaining.
Stamford Bridge was stunned by the lack of cutting edge against United on Saturday. Chelsea have lost two of their last three visits to the Amex Stadium. Despite creating more chances in some games, they have been punished for poor finishing. Tonight is widely considered a must-win fixture to save their European ambitions.
Chelsea team news
Liam Rosenior is hoping to welcome back top scorer Joao Pedro for this crucial match. The striker missed the defeat to Manchester United with a thigh problem. He was out on the grass training on Monday and faces a morning fitness test. His return would provide a massive psychological boost to a struggling strike force.
In his absence, the burden falls on Cole Palmer to rediscover his clinical touch. Palmer has five goals in his last three appearances against the Seagulls. He has accounted for 43% of Chelsea’s total attempts in those fixtures. Enzo Fernandez is confirmed as available after a calf scare at the weekend.
However, Estevao Willian has joined a lengthy injury list with a hamstring problem. He joins captain Reece James, Filip Jorgensen, and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines. That said, Levi Colwill is training again but is not yet ready for a first-team start. He featured for the Under-21s last week as part of his ACL recovery.
Liam Delap is predicted to start up front as the focal point of the attack. He will be supported by Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto on the flanks. Moises Caicedo will anchor the midfield against his former club at the Amex. Chelsea have not kept an away clean sheet in eight Premier League games. They must find a balance between attacking intent and defensive discipline tonight.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap
When will the match kick off?
Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at 20:00 BST.
How to watch Brighton vs Chelsea?
The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 19:30 BST.
