Seventeen Premier League teams are in Carabao Cup action this evening and Mauricio Pochettino who arrived at Stamford Bridge four hours before kick-off will hope his side find the goals and form to continue to the fourth round.
The Blues have had a rough start to the season having just managed two wins in their last seven games and just one league win so far.The Blues have suffered back-to-back home defeats and will be desperate to avpid another.
Chelsea’s start to the campaign has been so tough even Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted they deserve more points based on how well they played in the league.
He told reporters ahead of the game: “It’s not my team and I can’t say anything. They deserve more points, watching their games. We have big respect for [manager Mauricio] Pochettino and Chelsea. They have a great squad. It will be a very tough game for us.”
Brighton are playing in Europe this season having finished an impressive sixth last season and currently nestling in third, just three behind leaders Manchester City going into the League Cup game.
Pochettino knows three home defeats will increase the pressure valves so he’s decided to go for a strong team and go after a win that puts confidence back into fans.
Chelsea have raided Brighton so much recently from the director of football to top-class players and managers, but it is the Seagulls who look to be on the upward trajectory, something Pochettino will look to put right by a win that inspires confidence and indicate that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
1. Robert Sanchez 4.5
Incredibly unlucky not to concede after gifting Joao Pedro the ball. Looked nervous when playing out from the back. Great save in the second half.
2. Cole Palmer- 6
Started in the No 10 role and even though he showed flashes of brilliance, he just did not get going before a brilliant assist saved the day.
3. Nicolas Jackson-7
Uses so much energy in winning the ball back and when he got into the critical area he just could not master the energy to finish. Smart strike for his goal.
4. Marc Cucurella-6
Was paired against the electric Mitoma. Held his own for the majority of the game even if he did not attack as much he would have liked.