Chelsea vs Brighton predictions: Chelsea line-up

After an incredibly lucky victory over Cardiff City on Sunday, Chelsea host Brighton on Wednesday as Maurizio Sarri’s side refuse to bow out of the race for the top four.

The Blues currently sit 5th in the league with 60 points, just 1 point behind Manchester United and Tottenham. Chelsea looked down and out of the top four race a couple of weeks ago but are now right back in it and nothing but a victory would be acceptable against the Seagulls at the Bridge.

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Sarri has been quite lucky on the injury front with just Davide Zappacosta, Marco van Ginkel and Ethan Ampadu ruled out for the midweek game. Sarri rested a number of his players against Cardiff, so a strong line-up is expected on Wednesday.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Kepa Arrizabalga (GK)

The Spaniard has been Sarris’s undisputed number one all season and is expected to start again on Wednesday.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The Spaniard scored a lucky offside goal yet a hugely important one against Cardiff on Sunday and should continue at right-back, especially with Zappacosta injured.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian has featured in 29 games so far under Maurizio Sarri and has had a decent season at the back but will look to improve for the business end of the season.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The former AS Roma man has been Chelsea’s best defender this season and his presence at the back will be vital against Brighton on Wednesday.

Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard hasn’t had the best of seasons at Stamford Bridge and will be looking to have a strong end to the campaign. He is expected to start ahead of Emerson on Wednesday.

Jorginho (CM)

The Italian has cemented the number 6 role for himself under Sarri but still has room for improvement in the Premier League. Chelsea’s whole system depends upon Jorginho’s positioning and his performance will be hugely important against Brighton on Wednesday.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)

The 23-year-old scored the hugely vital equaliser on Sunday and deserves a run from the start on Wednesday.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

The Frenchman was left on the bench against Cardiff and is expected to come straight back into the starting eleven for the game against Brighton on Wednesday.

Willian (RW)

Willian has featured in 28 games so far this season but has failed to recreate his form from previous seasons. He will look to add to his 3 goals and 6 assists on Wednesday.

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Eden Hazard (LW)

The Belgian came on against Cardiff at the weekend and was influential in turning the game around for the Blues. He should start on Wednesday.

Olivier Giroud (ST)

The World Cup winner has been the top scorer in the Europa League and deserves a start over Gonzalo Higuain, who has been woeful in recent games.