"Unlucky" - Graham Potter delivers Chelsea verdict on Brighton & Roberto De Zerbi

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter believes Brighton & Hove Albion and Roberto De Zerbi have performed well and been unlucky in recent weeks.

The Blues face a trip to the Amex Stadium on Saturday to take on Brighton in the Premier League.

After victory in midweek in European action against Red Bull Salzburg, Chelsea will be hoping to extend their winning run.

Potter is returning to his former side on the weekend for the first time after he made the switch from the south coast to west London following Thomas Tuchel's dismissal.

READ MORE: Graham Potter relishing special Brighton return with Chelsea but accepts chance of mixed reception

Chelsea manager Graham Potter during training at their Cobham base. (Alamy)

Arriving in September, the 47-year-old is still unbeaten as Chelsea boss and is looking to make it ten games on the bounce without a defeat.

If his side can avoid a loss, he will become the first English manager at Chelsea to go their first ten games unbeaten.

To this stage the Blues have won six games and drawn the other three, with the new head coach significantly steadying the ship.

The good form has seen Chelsea move into fifth place in the Premier League with a game in hand on two of the teams above and on Tuesday night they secured their place in the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

READ MORE: Chelsea handed Kalidou Koulibaly blow for Brighton clash as Potter delivers positive Kovacic injury update

Alamy)

For De Zerbi at Brighton things haven't run quite as smoothly. The Italian has taken charge of five games so far and the Seagulls are yet to pick up a win.

They have drawn twice and been beaten three times, admittedly though they have faced tough opponents in Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Under Potter the start to the season had been superb, with a standout win against Manchester United on the first day of their Premier League campaign.

Ahead of their match with the Blues, Potter spoke about his former side. He said: "They've been unlucky, performances have been good. They haven't had too much luck from what I've seen. I know the qualities of the team.

"It helps a little bit (knowing them). Roberto has been there a few weeks now, you can see the differences. Whilst I know the players well, it's a new manager and new ideas.

"Great bunch of lads, top staff, I enjoyed my time there. It's going to be very difficult tomorrow."

While on form Chelsea head into this one as favourites, the game will have an added atmosphere tomorrow for Potter's return and Brighton could pull a surprise.

Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Football

Sam Collins

Contributor for Absolute Chelsea. Sports Journalism Student.

@SamCollinsSJ