Chelsea score predictions: Optimism in the opener at Brighton

Chelsea opens another exciting season on the road at Brighton, The Pride of London staff seems confident in a victory despite absences.

It’s the dawn of a new era at Chelsea. After a plethora of talent was brought into the club, the Blues will look to start their new campaign with a bang—despite only a handful of those players being available. A few injuries and a suspension will limit Frank Lampard’s options, but his squad is stacked nonetheless. Here are the score predictions from The Pride of London writers:

Varun Dani: 1-3 Chelsea

The players won’t exactly be rusty, but the team will take time to gel. Expect the new German kids to hit the ground running, but keep an eye on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s redemption journeys.

Hugo Amaya: 0-2 Chelsea

This will be a straight forward win where Chelsea will dominate in every aspect. The Blues will score a goal in each half while maintaining most of the possession of the ball. First game, first win and the beginning of a great campaign for the Blues.

Scott Brant: 1-2 Chelsea

The Blues will possess the ball and dominate most of the match. Both teams will be a bit shaky at the start. Werner to score just before halftime and Olivier Giroud to score late. Blues start the season off right with a good win.

Nathaniel Kay: 1-1 Draw

Same score as the previous friendly and competitive fixture between Brighton and the Blues, so why not make it three in a row?

Chelsea burst out of the blocks and midway through the first half. Neither Kai Havertz nor Timo Werner manage to mark their debut with a goal. Instead, it’s Hudson-Odoi who re-announces his return with a low drive. Brighton build into the game and capitalise from a set piece as the Blues’ defensive issues are highlighted once again.

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 0-2 Chelsea

Before the Blues’ last two meetings with Brighton, they had a 100 percent win record against the Seagulls. In recent times though, it seems Brighton has found a way to play against Chelsea. The team they’d be playing against on Monday will be a different one from years past, however. The Blues players are now more aware that they’re at the top level now, you either perform or you’re out. They’d want to show Frank Lampard that they’re the right ilk for Chelsea.

Mike Malley: 1-2 Chelsea

After last year’s nightmare in the opening game against Manchester United, Chelsea will be hoping for a much better start to this year’s campaign. The Blues are missing some key attackers to fitness and injury, so fans shouldn’t be expecting complete domination. If they can’t beat Brighton, one of the main clubs tipped for relegation, it’s going to be a long season and Lampard will have a lot of questions to answer.

Brendan McDonnell: 2-4 Chelsea

As the last person on Kepa Island, I am still holding out hope that all those pesky stats about his inability to stop shots at the Blues’ goal are incorrect. The problem with those stats is saving the ball is his entire job—I still believe.

As we enter the “Bizzaro Mourinho period” of Chelsea football, I think the goals will come fast and furious … in both directions. Needless to say, we’re in for a rather fun 90 minutes and I’m looking forward to it. Werner with a brace, a defensive player with a header and a wild card makes it four.

Oliver Smith: 0-3 Chelsea

I came very close to predicting a tie, or a scrappy Chelsea win, but optimism rules! With Thiago Silva at the back, the defence will appear more solid and some luck will mean a clean sheet. Werner will pot two and nothing like a late Mason Mount goal to send all three points to the Blues.

Barrett Rouen: 0-3 Chelsea

The Blues will have a bit more continuity than last year’s side—certainly more than people would think—following the signings they’ve made; some of that is down to quarantine, other parts to injury. Regardless, the team will maintain its good form. Werner to score.

Wilfred Laurence: 1-3 Chelsea

Werner will open the scoring in the first half. N’Golo Kante will get the second just after half time, running to the touchline to hug Frank Lampard in his celebration. Neal Maupay will get Brighton back in it, sparking a nervy 20 minutes or so before Havertz rounds up the win with a scorching solo effort.

Kevin Peacock: 1-3 Chelsea

The introduction of several new players bodes well for the upcoming season. They won’t all be on show in this first game, but those who play will certainly get Lampard off to a winning start in his second season in charge. Werner scored his first goal for Chelsea in the recent friendly against Brighton, expect the same this go around.

The Blues’ defensive issues from last season will run over into this game with Silva and Ben Chilwell both sidelined for now. Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal, giving him the opportunity to get a good 90 minutes under his belt before competition for his place hots up. The chances of a clean sheet, based on last season stats, are minimal though. Two goals for Werner, Mount with the other one.

Nate Hofmann: 1-2 Chelsea

It’s sickeningly ironic that, for all the money Chelsea has thrown around this summer, Lampard has no option but to trot out the same sketchy defense as last season. With Chilwell, Silva and Eduoard Mendy (not announced quite yet) not yet available, it’ll have to do. Fortunately, Werner and Havertz are available, new faces who might just be enough to get the Blues over the line on their own. For better or worse, normal service will be resumed: eye-popping attacking, nauseating defending and an uncomfortable three points. Christian Pulisic and Werner with the goals.

Gabe Henderson: 0-3 Chelsea

I have little confidence in the Blues’ defense keeping a clean sheet. However, I believe their new attack is going to keep so much possession that Brighton doesn’t have but a handful of decent looks. Mount to open the scoring, Hudson-Odoi and Werner to put the game to bed.

Tan Yi Hao: 0-3 Chelsea

It’s a beginning of a new era at Chelsea and strong starts to the campaign are always appreciated, setting the tone for the rest of the season. There’s nothing quite like a straight forward, no nonsense 3-0 win to set the Blues up for the strong campaign ahead.

Abhishek Pancholi: 1-3 Chelsea

Brand new season, same old Arrizabalaga. That will be the biggest talking point of the game. The Blues will take the lead early in the first half and keep bombarding Brighton’s goal with shots from all over the place. But just like last season, Brighton will level the tie with their first shot on target, thanks to Arrizabalaga being, well, Arrizabalaga. Unfortunately for Brighton, this Chelsea side has loads of firepower in reserve. Pulisic will turn on the style in the second half, bagging a brace to dispatch the seasiders.

Travis Tyler: 1-3 Chelsea

A preseason match against Brighton already showed the Blues will remain sixes and sevens at the back with the defenders of last season. But you’ve only got to score more to win and Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, and Christian Pulisic will bring a Bundesliga born blasting on the attacking end. Three goals will seem low compared to the amount the Blues should get, but it’ll do on the day.

Jake Leach: 1-3 Chelsea

I feel that Chelsea will dominate the game, and the new signings will look eager from the off. Despite all the joys in attack, the defensive frailties haven’t disappeared; Chilwell is missing, Silva too. The firepower will dig Lampard’s boys to victory.

What is your score prediction for the Brighton match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!