Premier League:things to look out for this weekend

A Chelsea audition for Brighton’s Carroll Lite?
Two teams struggling to score goals go toe-to-toe when Brighton and Chelsea get the Premier League ball rolling in Saturday’s early kick-off. Brighton have drawn seven blanks in their past 10 league games and have only scored more than once on one occasion in that time. Before their FA Cup draw with Norwich on Wednesday night – Antonio Conte’s side eventually won the tie on penalties – Chelsea had failed to score in three successive games; an uncharacteristic drought for the defending champions, who will be without the suspended Pedro and Álvaro Morata and are also likely to be missing the hamstrung Cesc Fàbregas. A team already over-reliant on Eden Hazard may have to depend on him more than ever and the Belgian is likely to play as a false nine in the absence of Morata. The unsurprising news that Andy Carroll is likely to be sidelined for four to six weeks with an ankle injury means the West Ham striker will not be lumbering to the rescue any time soon. In Glenn Murray, Brighton have something of a Carroll Lite and with two goals in his past three games, the striker will have no better opportunity to audition for one of the most unlikely transfers in Premier League history. BG

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1. Extra scrutiny on Martial with Sánchez looming
   With Alexis Sánchez likely to complete his transfer from Arsenal soon, competition for places in Manchester United’s attack is about to become more fierce. But while it seems certain that Sánchez will walk straight into the side, it is worth remembering that United already have a talent who is comfortable on the left. Anthony Martial sparkled in the 3-0 win over Stoke, adding another fine goal to his collection after his lovely strike against Everton on New Year’s Day. However, for all that Martial is a favourite with United’s supporters, José Mourinho has often been impatient with the 22-year-old, who might be forced to step aside when Sánchez arrives. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s ruthless treatment by Mourinho is a reminder that Martial will need to remain at his sharpest, starting against Burnley. JS