Brighton v Chelsea LIVE: Latest updates as Blues look to maintain Champions League push
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are looking to secure a top-four spot, while Brighton are pushing for European football
Brighton face Chelsea in the Premier League less than a week after the Seagulls earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Blues in the FA Cup.
Karou Mitoma struck in the second half to book Brighton a place in the fifth round of the cup on Saturday night, with Chelsea unable to build on an early own goal from Bert Verbruggen.
But both sides will need to put that result behind them quickly as Enzo Maresca’s side visit the south coast again, with the visitors looking to consolidate their place in the top four and take themselves five points ahead of Manchester City.
Brighton sit in 10th ahead of kick-off, but they’re still just about in the hunt for European football as they trail seventh-placed Bournemouth by six points.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Substitution Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck Matthew Sean O'Riley
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Brighton are awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position, and they are in no rush to take it. Minteh eventually delivers and it's a superb cross into the box. Joao Pedro wins the header, but he powers it over the bar.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
What a chance! Jorgensen tries to play out from the back with a pass towards Cucurella, but he gets it all wrong and finds Joao Pedro. The Chelsea goalkeeper is out of his net and Joao Pedro strikes, but he somehow puts it into the stands behind the goal! He should be hitting the target in that situation.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Hinshelwood is also replaced for the Seagulls, with January signing Gomez coming off the bench.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Rutter's game is over as he heads towards the bench. Joao Pedro comes on to replace the former Leeds attacker.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
Brighton hit Chelsea on the counter-attack and they have plenty of bodies forward. Mitoma drives towards the box, completely unchallenged, and he only has Jorgensen to beat. He gets it onto his left inside the box and fires at goal, but it's straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
James finds George over the top of the Brighton defence with an excellent pass. He cuts inside and gets away from Lamptey before striking, but his effort deflects behind for a corner.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea
It's another corner for Chelsea as they search for a lifeline. James will take and he crosses to the front post, but it's headed away before Lamptey is able to clear away from danger.
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