EPL: Chelsea v Brighton preview
Chelsea v Brighton preview
Chelsea host Brighton on Boxing Day looking to bounce back from their goalless draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The champions are now 16 points behind leaders Manchester City at the halfway stage.
However, Antonio Conte and Co head into Tuesday afternoon's clash in good form having won eight of their last 11 league games.
The Italian will also be boosted by the return of striker Alvaro Morata, who missed Saturday's trip to Merseyside through suspension.
And Chelsea's coach will expect his team to get the better of a Brighton side who may currently sit in a creditable 12th position in the table in their debut Premier League campaign, but have won just twice on their travels so far this season.
Chelsea are expected to recall Morata to lead the line after he served a one-match ban against Everton. The Spaniard, the Blues' top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals, served a one-game ban against Everton having accrued five yellow cards and he will be expected to slot straight back into the team.
Cesc Fabregas and Davide Zappacosta could feature if Conte opts to make changes
However, David Luiz, who has been linked with a January exit from Stamford Bridge, continues to be sidelined with a knee injury, while Charly Musonda is also unavailable due to a groin strain.
Brighton, meanwhile, will have central defender Shane Duffy back after he missed Saturday's 1-0 home win against Watford through suspension.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell (knee) remains Chris Hughton's only injury absentee for the trip to west London.
However, Antonio Conte and Co head into Tuesday afternoon's clash in good form having won eight of their last 11 league games.
The Italian will also be boosted by the return of striker Alvaro Morata, who missed Saturday's trip to Merseyside through suspension.
And Chelsea's coach will expect his team to get the better of a Brighton side who may currently sit in a creditable 12th position in the table in their debut Premier League campaign, but have won just twice on their travels so far this season.
Chelsea are expected to recall Morata to lead the line after he served a one-match ban against Everton. The Spaniard, the Blues' top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals, served a one-game ban against Everton having accrued five yellow cards and he will be expected to slot straight back into the team.
Cesc Fabregas and Davide Zappacosta could feature if Conte opts to make changes
However, David Luiz, who has been linked with a January exit from Stamford Bridge, continues to be sidelined with a knee injury, while Charly Musonda is also unavailable due to a groin strain.
Brighton, meanwhile, will have central defender Shane Duffy back after he missed Saturday's 1-0 home win against Watford through suspension.
Midfielder Steve Sidwell (knee) remains Chris Hughton's only injury absentee for the trip to west London.