Premier League team news and prediction: Brighton vs Chelsea

Chelsea fans will finally get to see their team in action after their stunning spending spree when they kickstart their 2020/21 Premier League campaign away to Brighton on Monday night.

A title challenge is the minimum requirement of Chelsea this season following such a remarkable summer blow-out and if reports are to be believed then they aren't finished either.

Brighton, meanwhile, have gone about their business far more subtly, adding key players when they can for minimial fees. There should also be a couple of debutants for the Seagulls here.

Ahead of tonight's encounter, we have the need-to-know match information in one place, including kick-off details, probable XIs and prediction scoreline.

When is kick-off?
Monday 14th September, 20:15 GMT
Where is it?
AMEX Stadium, Brighton
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League

2019/20 Season Recap

Brighton managed to steer clear of the relegation battle in the end avoiding defeat in six of their nine matches post-lockdown to finish 15th and seven points clear of the drop.

After working through a FIFA-imposed transfer ban during his first season, unable to spend the money from Eden Hazard's departure, Frank Lampard guided Chelsea to fourth place in his first season in charge of the Blues.

Summer Transfers

Brighton pulled off a coup to land Adam Lallana on a free transfer following his release from Liverpool and followed that piece of business up with Ajax defender Joel Veltman for less than £1m, after being made aware of a surprise release clause in his contract. Graham Potter's side have also signed young duo Jan Paul van Hecke and Jensen Weir from NAC Breda and Wigan, respectively.

Chelsea, meanwhile have rolled back the years and invested huge sums this summer in a bid to challenge for the title. More than £200m has landed Chelsea Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva, with the latter arriving on a free. Chelsea are also on the verge of signing Edouard Mendy as their new first-choice goalkeeper.

Team News

After welcoming back Ben White from his impressive loan spell and fending off interest from Leeds to sign him permanently, the 23-year-old is expected to slot straight into defence for Brighton this evening. With Lewis Dunk also pledging his long-term future to the club, in addition to Adam Webster, Brighton have the ability to play a back three or four. Veltman is expected to get the nod over ex-Chelsea youngster Tariq Lamptey at right-back, with former Liverpool ace Lallana also set to make his Brighton debut.

Chelsea fans will have to wait a little longer to see all of their summer signings in the same starting XI, with only Werner and Havertz expected to feature of the five new first-team arrivals. Ziyech and Chilwell are injured, while Thiago Silva hasn't properly trained since joining. Lampard is at least boosted by the availability of Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta, though neither may start after only just recovering from hamstring injuries. With Mendy not yet signed, Kepa or Willy Caballero will start in goal, while Jorginho is also set to start with Mateo Kovacic suspended.

Probable XIs:

Brighton (4231): Ryan; Veltman, White, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Bissouma; Gross, Lallana, Trossard; Maupay

Chelsea (4231): Kepa; James, Zouma, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Jorginh; Havertz, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Werner

Key Battle: Lewis Dunk vs Antonio Rudiger

Before signing Thiago Silva on a free transfer, there were rumours flying around Chelsea wanted Brighton captain Lewis Dunk and it would cost them in the region of £50m. It would have been just reward having developed into one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League outside the top clubs in the last 12 months, but Chelsea instead pursued a cheaper alternative to free up funds to spend elsewhere. Dunk ended up signing an new and improved contract, so it didn't end badly for him either.

On Monday, however, the 28-year-old will be keen to put in a performance that will at least remind Chelsea what they could have signed this summer. Dunk will have his hands full, too. While Silva won't feature for Chelsea just yet, they are going to unleash their new attackers in Werner and Havertz and their movement and skill will cause Brighton's defence nightmares. At the other end, Antonio Rudiger will hope to turn in a solid performance as Lampard still decides who best to partner Silva at the back over the course of the season.

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Chelsea