Chelsea and Liverpool are level on 41 points from 19 games, six points adrift league leaders Manchester city, who have won their last nine league games.
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Chelsea will aim to keep pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City and second placed Liverpool when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a 3-1 win against Aston Villa in the previous match on Boxing Day while Brighton defeated Brentford 2-0. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and led the Blues’ fight back. Jorgingho scored through a penalty on either side of Lukaku’s goal to secure all three points.
Let’s finish 2021 on a high! ?#CheBri pic.twitter.com/vnfXsBxR9G
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2021
Reece James’ own goal had Aston Villa in front before Jorginho equalized from the penalty spot. After a not so impressive first half performance, Tuchel introduced Lukaku, who was coming back from an injury in the second half, and the Belgian quickly made the difference. The 28-year-old put the Blues in front with a header before earning a penalty for Jorginho to convert and seal the match.
However, after the win, Tuchel was bemoaning the hectic schedule as two of his experienced players were sidelined with injury. Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante entered the treatment room. Meanwhile the victory helped Chelsea to move level on points with second placed Liverpool, six points adrift leaders Manchester City.
Tuchel would be hoping Ruben Loftus-cheek return for the Brighton encounter while COVID-affected Kai Havertz and Timo Werner both remain doubtful. Meanwhile Mateo Kovacic who gave a good account of himself coming on as a substitute is expected to start in the central midfield because of the absence of Kante.
On the other hand, Manchester City travel to Brentford. City are coming into the match on the back of a thrilling 6-3 win against Leicester City on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side has now posted a remarkable 17 goals in their last three league games, as well as winning their last nine.
The defending champions travel to Brentford Community Stadium on a five-game winning streak away from home in the top-flight, scoring at least two goals in each occasion. But it has been 24 years since they locked horns with the Bees.
Kyle Walker, John Stones and Rodri missed the clash against Leicester and Guradiola might save them for the clash against Arsenal on New Years’ eve. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are likely to come back after being dropped due to off-field behaviour, with the Spanish coach also potentially considering Gabriel Jesus for a recall amid a packed schedule.
