Albion are aiming to avoid a repeat of the last time Chelsea visited the Amex, writes Ryan Elliott, football writer at Oddschecker

The Result

In the words of L. Frank Baum: “There’s no place like home.” It’s a sentiment that was likely shared by Albion’s dejected troupe of players as they trudged back through the Turf Moor tunnel, soaking and miserable, after a bitterly disappointing defeat at the hands of Burnley.

The loyal Albion fans generally travel to away games with little more than wishful hopes of seeing their side pick up a result but at home - as the Seagulls continue establishing themselves at England’s footballing high table - the overriding emotion is not of hope, but expectation.

It’s a mark of how far Albion have come that, unlike last season, there is no overwhelming sense of dread at the arrival of Chelsea.

And why should there be? The Seagulls have lost just five of their 26 Premier League matches at the Amex (that is two fewer than Newcastle have lost at home this season alone), and although an Eden Hazard-inspired Chelsea demolished the Seagulls 4-0 in this fixture last season, there is no room for fear.

Chelsea’s spectacular victory over Manchester City may feel ominous, but they have still lost their last two away matches – most recently against a Wolves side who had lost five of their previous six – and Chris Hughton will be hoping this lack of consistency will play into his hands.

Catching Chelsea on an off-day is Albion’s best chance of getting result here, although unfortunately I see the Londoners having just a little too much quality on the day.

Hughton received smatterings of criticism following Albion’s 2-1 defeat against Spurs – where they played conservatively – although there is no chance the game plan will be any different here. Chelsea must be shut out and frustrated, as opening up and having a go could see Albion 2-0 down after six minutes – just like last season.

I expect Glenn Murray to return to Albion’s starting line-up, with Dale Stephens is also waiting eagerly in the wings, while Chelsea’s Europa League dead rubber last night will have very little bearing on the team we see on Sunday.

It is never wise to count Albion out at The Amex, although unfortunately this Chelsea side have far more good days than bad, and I see them narrowly edging out the Seagulls.

Chelsea to win by a one goal margin, best-priced at 13/5, is looking a likely outcome.

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/brighton-v-chelsea/winning-margin

The Banker

Chelsea are a side who like to strike hard and strike early.

So far this season, they have been leading at half-time in ten of their 16 matches, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the same happen on Sunday.

Though they are the home side, Albion are likely to relinquish the lion’s share of possession to the visitors – especially considering they possess midfielders of Jorginho’s quality – which is always a slightly dangerous (but) game to play against the top sides.

Best-priced at a generous 21/20, Chelsea to lead at half-time is the banker for this week.

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/brighton-v-chelsea/half-time

The Longshot

Along with Philippe Coutinho, Eden Hazard is the best player I’ve seen at the Amex.

It’s fair to say the Belgian tore Albion to shreds that day, and it’s players of his ilk - small, skilful and quick, who have given Seagulls defenders the most trouble since their promotion.

Therefore, the longshot is for Hazard to score first, best-priced at 7/2. The Belgian has not found the net in his last seven league matches – which is why the price is perhaps bigger than it otherwise would have been – though it is only a matter of time before he kicks into gear once again, and it may well be on Sunday.

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/brighton-v-chelsea/first-goalscorer