Brighton vs Chelsea Best Bet – Feb. 14, 2025
Soccer on Valentine’s Day? Sounds perfect! SpookyExpress brings you a comprehensive betting preview for Friday’s Premier League clash between Brighton and Chelsea, featuring the latest odds from EveryGame.
Just six days after their FA Cup clash, Brighton and Chelsea meet on the Premier League frontline at the Amex Stadium on Friday night. The Seagulls will be keen to build on their cup success, while Enzo Maresca’s side aim for revenge as they continue their push for a top-four finish.
Brighton’s Recent Form & Tactical Approach
Brighton entered last weekend’s FA Cup tie under pressure after a 7-0 humiliation against Nottingham Forest, their heaviest defeat of the season. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s side responded impressively with a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea, courtesy of goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma. That victory ended a four-match losing streak against the Blues in all competitions and provided a crucial morale boost.
Despite their cup triumph, Brighton’s Premier League form has been inconsistent. They have won only two of their last 12 league games (six draws and four defeats), a stark contrast to their strong start to the campaign, where they won six of their opening 12 matches. Their struggles have been particularly evident at the Amex, where they are winless in five consecutive home league matches (0-3-2 record) since beating Manchester City 2-1 in November.
Hurzeler’s side is known for its possession-based football, pressing high up the pitch, and creating overloads in wide areas. However, defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transitions, have cost them points in recent weeks. The absence of key defenders, including Jason Steele, Igor Julio, and potentially Lewis Dunk, could further expose Brighton at the back.
Brighton will be without key defensive figures, including Jason Steele (shoulder), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Igor Julio (hamstring), James Milner (hamstring), and Solly March (muscle). Pervis Estupiñán and Mats Wieffer remain doubts after missing last weekend’s game. Lewis Dunk will undergo a late fitness test following a rib injury, which could see Adam Webster step into the starting XI.
Winter signing Diego Gómez impressed off the bench in the FA Cup win and could earn his first start, while Joao Pedro may return to the attack alongside Mitoma and Rutter.
Chelsea’s FA Cup Setback & Top-Four Battle
Chelsea’s exit from the FA Cup on Saturday dealt a significant blow to their domestic ambitions, leaving them with no remaining opportunities for silverware this season. With that disappointment behind them, Enzo Maresca must now turn his full attention to the Premier League and Conference League, where Chelsea remains firmly in the race for a top-four finish. However, with Manchester City and Newcastle United in close pursuit, securing a Champions League spot will be anything but straightforward.
Away form has been a concern for Chelsea, as they have failed to win any of their last four Premier League away matches (0-2-2). Their last away victory came in a thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur in December. Despite their struggles, the Blues have had success at the Amex in recent seasons, winning their last Premier League visit (2-1 in May 2024) and aiming to complete a league double over Brighton for the second consecutive season.
Chelsea’s attacking threat will largely revolve around Cole Palmer, who has been their standout performer this season. The former Manchester City man was the hero in the reverse fixture, scoring all four goals in a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in September. With Christopher Nkunku returning to full fitness, Chelsea will have more firepower in attack, but injuries and suspensions still limit their depth.
The Blues remain without long-term absentees Wesley Fofana (hamstring), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Roméo Lavia (muscle), Omari Kellyman (hamstring), and Marc Guiu (groin). Mykhaylo Mudryk is serving a provisional doping suspension, while Nicolas Jackson is sidelined for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.
Captain Reece James is expected to return after being rested in the FA Cup match. Filip Jorgensen, Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernández, and Noni Madueke could also be reinstated to the starting XI after featuring as substitutes at the weekend.
Possible Starting Lineups of Brighton and Chelsea
Brighton: Bart Verbruggen – Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey – Carlos Baleba, Diego Gómez – Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma – Joãao Pedro. (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea: Filip Jorgensen – Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella – Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández – Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho – Christopher Nkunku. (4-2-3-1)
Spooky Express Betting Prediction
With Brighton priced at +195, Chelsea at +130, and the draw available at +260 on EveryGame’s latest betting odds on Friday morning, the odds suggest a closely contested encounter at the Amex Stadium. Chelsea’s inconsistent away form and Brighton’s struggles to convert home draws into wins make this a tricky match to call.
However, given the Seagulls’ resilience at home and their recent FA Cup victory over Chelsea, backing 1X (Brighton or Draw) and Over 2.5 Goals presents solid value. With Brighton drawing six of their 11 home league games this season and both teams possessing attacking quality, this selection at +180 offers an appealing balance of risk and reward for 5/10 stakes/units .
Spooky Express Free Play: Brighton or Draw (1X) and Over 2.5 Goals +180 at EveryGame for 5/10 Units
