Fading aristocrats Chelsea hosted Brighton in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup. The Blues' performance this season has been frustrating, with new recruits brought in at high prices failing to integrate effectively, and manager Pudjetino seems to be feeling the pressure, whereas Brighton, despite selling a number of core players, still maintains a strong fighting force. Moreover, Brighton has achieved 2 wins and 3 draws in the last 5 official matches against Chelsea, so I am afraid that Chelsea will not be able to escape the fate of the underdog if they are favored by 0.5 handicap tonight. (Thursday 2.45am kick-off)
Chelsea just lost 0-1 to Aston Villa in the league, the worst start to a season in 45 years, and manager Pudjetino is listed as one of the favorites to be dismissed. The team's performance is seriously disproportionate to its high price tag. In the last round of the EFL Cup, Chelsea faced AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the EFL Cup, they were once behind, but they were thrilled to advance with a reversal of 2-1, which shows that the home field is not a life preserver for them. Although Chelsea has been attracting reinforcements this summer, due to injury problems, Staanen, Ansou Fernandes, and Moses Scarr and other key players are expected to be out of action, such a lineup is difficult to cope with in the league, and I am afraid that tonight's match will not be easy either.
