Dugout Discussion – Brighton vs Chelsea

Gameweek 24 begins by the seaside as Brighton host champions Chelsea at the Amex Stadium.

Despite notable absentees for Chelsea, there is keen interest from a Fantasy perspective.

The Blues defence is heavily backed and, with five clean sheets from their last six Gameweeks, we should perhaps expect further returns against a goal-shy Seagulls.

However, with Thibaut Courtois missing through injury, there is disruption in the Chelsea rearguard, which could mean that owners of Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen may well be forced to seek attacking returns.

That’s not out of the question given that Antonio Conte’s side rank second for attempts from corner kicks, while Brighton have conceded more goals from dead-balls than any other side, including 12 from corners.

Elsewhere, the inclusion of Michy Batshuayi in Conte’s line-up suggests that Hazard will be sparred a false nine role, with Chelsea perhaps lining up in a 3-4-2-1.

Brighton’s formation is also significant, as Chris Hughton mirrors Chelsea’s three-man defence by handing a start to Connor Goldson alongside Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy. That’s a situation to monitor given his price tag of just 3.9.