Brighton vs Chelsea LIVE updates: Team news and line-ups ahead of Premier League clash

Brighton vs Chelsea LIVE updates: Latest Premier League score, news and highlights from the Amex Stadium

LOCADIA SPEAKS

12:15: Brighton’s new club record signing Jurgen Locadia: “I’m glad I’m here in the Premier League. I’m obsessed with football so I watch every game. It’s great to be here. I bring power, precision, goals, assists and a lot of energy.

“I play with a lot of action and can shoot with my right and left foot. I’ve got a lot of ability. I don’t really think about the price. All I can do is turn up every day, score goals and bring energy.”

THE FORM…

12:10: Antonio Conte’s team have experienced a poor start to 2018, drawing all five matches.

They have scored only three goals since the turn of the year and Conte has been linked with a whole host of strikers in the January transfer window.

They are without Pedro and Alvaro Morata at Brighton following their red cards against Norwich and need the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian to step up.

CONGRATS

12:05: Willian is making his 50th consecutive Premier League appearance today – the longest current run in the competition among outfield players.

PETER CROUCH? REALLY?!

12:00: I couldn’t believe it myself…

Chelsea really have turned their attentions to Stoke striker Peter Crouch after Andy Carroll suffered another injury blow.

The Blues have made an approach for former England international Crouch as they seek to bring in a target man before the end of January.

Conte was reluctant to comment on recruitment, taking his regular stance of deferring to the club hierarchy.

Asked if he was confident of adding the players he wanted to his squad, Conte said: “I’m confident? Confident is a big word. We have to wait.

“I give my opinion to my club, but the final decision is for the club. I have to wait and to see what happens during this transfer market. I’m very calm under this aspect.”

THE NEW SIGNING…

11:50: As you’ll probably know, Brighton completed the club-record signing of striker Jurgen Locadia from PSV Eindhoven yesterday.

But the £14million signing won’t be making an instant impact I’m afraid.

The 24-year-old, who signed a deal until June 2022, is expected to make his debut next month against West Ham or Stoke after he returns from a hamstring injury.

*Takes him back out of his Fantasy Football team after getting a bit over-excited after eight pints*

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Joe: Come on now lads, let’s see Tiemoue Bakayoko have a blinder and Michy Batshuayi bag a hat-trick!

Tommy: Michy Batshuayi to have the game of his life today for Chelsea. Brace incoming, 3-0 to the Blues!

Adam: Ross Barkley master class incoming folks. We also say goodbye to Michy Batshuayi. He’s playing his last game for Chelsea. Hope he scores!

Tons of Michy Batshuayi chat on Twitter this morning. I’ve not seen the Bat-signal anywhere though…

TEAM NEWS – BRIGHTON

11:40: Chris Hughton makes five changes from the 2-0 loss at West Brom. 

Connor Goldson, Solly March, Tomer Hemed, Ezequiel Schelotto and Markus Suttner replace Gaetan Bong, Anthony Knockaert, Jose Izquierdo, Bruno and top scorer Glenn Murray.

TEAM NEWS – CHELSEA

11:35: OK, Antonio Conte has made a number of changes for today’s clash.

Alvaro Morata and Pedro are both suspended after their diving antics on Wednesday evening.

As previously mentioned, former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero continues between the sticks. Thibaut Courtois suffered a minor ankle injury in training and isn’t in the squad.

Eden Hazard, Marcos Alonso, N’Golo Kante, Antonio Rudiger, Victor Moses and Andreas Christensen are all back in having been rested for the FA Cup win over Norwich.

Elsewhere January signing Ross Barkley has made the squad, and will have to make an impression from the bench.

BRIGHTON vs CHELSEA

11:30: Here are today’s line-ups folks. Huge blow for the visitors with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois out injured. Willy Caballero takes his place.

Brighton XI: Ryan, Suttner, Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Goldson, Gross, March, Stephens, Propper, Hemed.

Subs: Krul, Hünemeier, Kayal, Baldock, Murray, Izquierdo, Rosenior.

Chelsea XI: Caballero, Rudiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Willian, Hazard, Batshuayi.

Subs: Eduardo, Musonda, Zappacosta, Luiz, Ampadu, Sterling, Barkley.

HAVE YOUR SAY

11:28: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch!

You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.

MORNING

11:25: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of Brighton vs Chelsea from the Amex Stadium.

How’s everyone feeling on this dreary January morning? Yep, me too.

I’m nursing a hangover that could quite literally kill a heard of wildebeest, so let’s use our inside voices.

Let’s get going!

BRIGHTON vs CHELSEA – PREVIEW

Steve Sidwell remains Brighton’s only injury absentee. The midfielder underwent a back operation in September and still faces another few months on the sidelines.

Pedro and Alvaro Morata are suspended for Chelsea. Defender Gary Cahill and playmaker Cesc Fabregas (both hamstring) are again out, but Ross Barkley is in the squad and could make his debut off the bench.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Brighton W L D D L; Chelsea D W W D D

Top scorers (all competitions): Glenn Murray (Brighton) 7; Alvaro Morata (Chelsea) 12

Referee: Jonathan Moss (County Durham).