Chelsea see off Brighton with Eden Hazard the star
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Chelsea consolidated fourth place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday that became harder work than had seemed likely in the first half.
Having won 4-0 at the Amex Stadium last season, they were on course for a repeat after taking a 2-0 lead at the interval.
Eden Hazard set up the first goal for Pedro after 17 minutes and scored the second himself before halftime following a defensive error.
Brighton came back into contention through Solly March's goal midway through the second half and Lewis Dunk went close to an equaliser.
The home side have not beaten Chelsea in any competition since 1933 but they stayed 13th in the table, nine points clear of the bottom three places.
Chelsea moved three points clear of London rivals Arsenal, who were beaten at Southampton. Reuters
PREVIEW
What time does it start?
Brighton vs Chelsea kicks off at 1:30pm (GMT) on Sunday 16th December.
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.
Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.
Highlights will be shown at 10:15pm on BBC Two.
Player to watch…
David Luiz: After a torrid individual display at Tottenham three weeks ago, the Brazilian scored and played superbly in Chelsea’s win against Manchester City last week. As unpredictable as ever, the 31-year-old defender has solidified a partnership with German Antonio Rudiger at the back, and the Blues have only conceded 13 goals in the league this season.
Form guide…
Brighton: LLDWWL
Chelsea: LWWLWD
Odds…
Brighton to win: 15/2
Chelsea to win: 11/25
Draw: 17/5
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
Away trips for England's two Europa League representatives to kick start a big Sunday of Premier League action.
Both games start at 1.30, and we will have coverage of all the action from the Amex Stadium and St Mary's as it happens this afternoon...
An enforced defensive reshuffle for Arsenal, then, with a slew of injuries at the back.
Laurent Koscielny is a rather welcome returnee from longer-term injury. It isn't entirely clear who will partner him in the heart of the defence, with both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Nacho Monreal capable of playing at centre half, though we think it may well be the former with Monreal at left back.
For those wondering where Sead Kolasinac is...
Mesut Ozil is once again on the bench today. Ahead of their trip to Southampton today, Tom Kershaw examines Mesut Ozil's place in Unai Emery's new look Arsenal team:
Today will be Ralph Hasenhuttl's first game at St Mary's since taking charge of Southampton.
He's been trying to bring the club together in a somewhat unconventional manner as his side look to cause a shock against their more fancied opponents...
Meanwhile at the Amex Stadium, Maurizio Sarri has kept faith with the striker-less 4-3-3.
Brighton are without Shane Duffy at the back with the centre-half still suspended, but do welcome Glenn Murray back to the starting lineup.
Plenty of creativity with both Pascal Groß and Anthony Knockaert included - can Chris Hughton's side trouble Chelsea?
15 minutes until kick off.
Laurent Koscielny returns to captain the Arsenal team at St Mary's today. The Frenchman missed his country's World Cup win after suffering a serious achilles injury suffered in the Europa League semi-final, and has been working his way back to full fitness over the last couple of weeks but makes his first Premier League appearance of the season today.
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