Brighton vs Chelsea in the Premier league from the Amex Stadium
Brighton fans will miss the chance to see Joao Pedro back in action at the Amex Stadium.
Pedro enjoyed two successful seasons with the Seagulls before joining Chelsea last summer for £60m.
The Brazilian striker has had a productive season at Stamford Bridge and is the club’s top scorer so far this term with 19 goals.
Pedro has though been struggling with a thigh issue of late and failed a late fitness test just prior to the match. It’s a blow for Liam Rosenoir’s sixth placed team as they need Pedro’s goals as they attempt to sneak into the Champions League qualification places.
It also avoids a reunion with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The two clashed in training while a Brighton shortly before Pedro sealed his move to Chelsea. Pedro was suspended for the training ground and served a two-match ban.
Liam Delap will lead the line for Chelsea in his absence.
Rosenior badly needs a result and made two changes from the defeat at home to Manchester United.
Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah are both back in the starting XI. Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian both miss out against Brighton and both are said to be struggling with hamstring issues.
Ex-Brighton men return
Former Brighton players Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo all start and will likely get a feisty reception from the Brighton faithful.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, W Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Fernandez, Lavia, Caicedo, Neto, Delap
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Tosin, Sarr, Acheampong, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Garnacho, Guiu, Derry.
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