CHELSEA will be looking to carry their fine away form into 2020 when they square off with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on New Year's Day.
Only Premier League pacesetters Liverpool have amassed more points on the road this term and Chelsea will aiming to solidify their place in the top-four with another away success on the south coast.
Inconsistencies have crept into Chelseas's home form – Frank Lampard's young guns have lost three of their last four games at Stamford Bridge – however, the Blues will make the short trip south high in confidence after triumphing in their last two top-flight away days against Tottenham and Arsenal respectively.
However, standing in the west Londoners way will be a Brighton side who are enjoying a quietly impressive campaign the stewardship of Graham Potter.
Potter's possession-based style of play has earned the Seagulls plenty of plaudits this season, however, Albion go into this lunchtime kick-off occupying 14th place in the Premier League table – just five points above the drop zone.
Brighton bounced back from their Boxing Day defeat at Spurs by beating Bournemouth at home and the hosts will now be looking to start the New Year with a bang against the Blues.
The Betting Odds
Back-to-back home wins for Brighton is big odds-against at 3/1 (Bet 365) and a share of the spoils on the south coast is also deemed unlikely at 11/4 (UniBet)
Chelsea have chalked up 21 points from a possible 30 on their travels this season and the capital club are Evens with Betway to bag another away win on Wednesday afternoon.
The Betting Angles
Brighton midfielder Aaron Mooy scored his first goal for the Seagulls on Saturday – a sublime strike that sealed all three points – and I like the look of the 9/4 (William Hill) on offer for Mooy to have at least one shot on target against Chelsea.
The Australian international was a standout performer during Huddersfield Town's two year stint in the top-flight and Mooy has a habit of having a pop from distance – the Brighton midfielder is averaging over one shot per game this season – and that all adds to the appeal of backing Mooy to hit the target at an enticing 9/4 (William Hill)
Whether or not Mooy hits the target remains to bee seen, however, I do fancy Brighton to breach the Blues brittle backline given that Chelsea have only secured a solitary league shutout away from Stamford Bridge this season.
Indeed, Brighton kept a clean sheet against Bournemouth last time out , however, the Seagulls themselves have also been shaky at the back this season – Saturday's defensive success was Albion's first in their last nine attempts.
With that in mind, coupled with Lamaprd's leaky defence, I'm attracted to the 4/6 (Bet 365) on offer for both teams to score at the Amex – a bet that would have banked profit in eight out of Chelsea's 10 Premier League away trips thus far.
Furthermore, all but one of Chelsea's league games away from home have seen over 2.5 match goals scored – the only exception came against 10 man Spurs – and given that Brighton have made the net bulge against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham in recent weeks, the 39/50 (Marathonbet) that is available for over 2.5 match goals in this meeting appeals.
Combining both teams to score and over 2.5 goals with Bet 365 will boost your odds up to an eye-catching Evens and although I wouldn't back against the Blues racking up another three points on the road, I suspect Albion will make this an awkward assignment for Chelsea and as such I'm going for goals on the south coast.
This English Premier League match between Brighton and Chelsea will be played on Jan 1, 2020 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.