Mark Lawrenson states his prediction for Chelsea v Bournemouth
The Liverpool legend is backing Chelsea to return to winning ways against Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day
Mark Lawrenson is backing Chelsea to create “plenty of chances” in a comfortable 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
Antonio Conte’s men will be desperate to make up for their frustrating outing at Goodison Park on Saturday after the defending champions were held to a 0-0 draw with Everton on the blue half of Merseyside.
The Chelsea boss went with Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro Rodriguez in attack but the trio were unable to unlock the Everton defence in the absence of Alvaro Morata due to his suspension.
The Premier League title holders are still in third place in the Premier League table with a three-point cushion ahead of their closest rivals Liverpool.
Brighton have made steady progress in the Premier League this season and the Seagulls are in 12th place and eight points clear of the relegation zone but could have one eye on their trip to Newcastle United later this week.
Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson is tipping Chelsea to make amends for their lack of invention at Goodison Park with a more attacking performance against the Seagulls on Tuesday.
“Brighton had gone seven games without a win until they beat Watford on Saturday,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.
“Chris Hughton’s side do seem to have the knack of getting a result like that – when they are on a bad run and you look at a game and think ‘they need to win this one’, they tend to win it, which is good news.
“The Seagulls will go to Stamford Bridge and sit in and try to make it difficult for Chelsea, but I don’t see it working this time.
“Chelsea could not find a way past Everton on Saturday, and had to settle for a point. I am backing them to create a lot more chances against Brighton and, with Alvaro Morata back from suspension, they will have a cutting edge too.”
Chelsea won the Premier League title with two games to spare last season after finishing seven points ahead of closest challengers Tottenham Hotspur.
