To get the lowdown on Albion's first opponents of the decade and 2020, Chelsea I spoke to Alan Smith, who is a senior football writer at football.london:

What do you make of Chelsea’s season so far?

A mixed bag in terms of results but it has been incredibly fun. Frank Lampard has given debuts to seven academy graduates and the youth movement has captivated supporters.

On the flip side their home form has been dismal, losing six times in all competitions, and their best performances have come away from Stamford Bridge, including wins at Tottenham, Ajax, Wolves and Arsenal most recently on Sunday.

Why do you think they are better away from home than at Stamford Bridge?

Neither the players nor Lampard can explain why but they are too ponderous against teams that sit deep and try to counter-attack. He has tried different formations and personnel, but they have been silenced offensively too easily. That has not applied on the road where opponents have been more attack-minded and Chelsea’s forwards have exploited gaps at will.

Do you think they will strengthen in January?

Almost certainly. Lampard will have about £150million to spend and is keen on adding options up front.

Olivier Giroud is set to leave and Pedro could go.

There is plenty of talk about re-signing Nathan Ake as there is a buy-back clause in his contract for £40million and, considering his ability, that’s a bargain.

But there are already four centre-halves in the squad. They are interested in Jadon Sancho and Ben Chilwell but January deals seem highly unlikely.

Who will be their key players to watch out for?

Tammy Abraham is their most important player and Mason Mount’s pressing should cause Brighton problems.

But the most interesting thing is who will play in midfield, where Lampard has not settled on a first-choice pairing. It will be two of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho or N’Golo Kante.

Score prediction?

I’ll go 2-1 to Chelsea.