Chelsea host Brighton on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge and the expectancy is that Frank Lampard picks up his first home Premier League win since becoming boss in the summer.
The Blues will be looking to build some momentum in the three games before the next international break and that starts against Brighton.
Graham Potter’s side may sit 15th in the current league table, but they are just two points worse off than Chelsea at present and have played some decent football so far this campaign.
They are an underrated club enjoying their third consecutive season in the top-flight and on their day could cause a shock.
Lampard will need to drill it into his players that they will need to be at their best and they should win if that’s the case.
But the visitors will come with the same optimism and they do have some quality players in their ranks to watch out for, including their £16million marksman.
Here are three Brighton players to keep an eye on:
Lewis Dunk
Dunk has become a real consistent performer in the Premier League since coming up with boyhood club Brighton and is a man mountain at the back.
The 6ft 4in defender is someone that puts his body on the line for his team and is an expert at blocks, while he’s difficult to beat in the air too.
He has been capped once at senior level by England and his composure on the ball is another key feature to his game, which means he won’t be afraid to try his trademark raking long-range passes at Stamford Bridge.
Brighton’s captain Dunk is arguably their most consistent performer and has won them many points in recent years.
The centre-back is going to be a real difficult test for Chelsea centre-forward Tammy Abraham and that battle could help decide the contest this weekend.
Neal Maupay
Brighton splashed out £16million (BBC) to sign Maupay in the summer from Championship side Brentford and he’s settled very quickly to life in the top-flight.
The French centre-forward has scored two goals in his opening six league matches and looks a real handful in attack for them.
Maupay, 23, is capable of mixing it up with defenders as he can be physical and play with his back to goal.
But the striker also has a great turn of pace and composure with his finishing, which meant he scored 28 goals across all competitions last season for Brentford and is a serious marksman.
Chelsea’s defensive problems mean that they are yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign and there is no doubt they will have their hands full against the Brighton forward.
Davy Propper
Propper is the Brighton playmaker in the centre of the park making the team tick and he’s usually at the heart of their success.
The 28-year-old central midfielder usually has plenty of possession when he plays, but may not enjoy the same success with the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante around.
Propper does create chances for Brighton though with his vision and weight of pass, so limiting his influence will be key for Lampard’s team.
The Holland international has played every minute int he league so far this campaign to highlight his importance and is a composing figure for his team.
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