Brighton vs. Southampton: Preview and predictions

Saints make a short trip along the south coast to face this Sunday’s opposition Brighton and Hove Albion. It will be the first time since 2012 that these teams have met, with the last fixture being played in the Championship.

Brighton have started their debut year in the top flight of English football very impressively. Led by Chris Hughton, the Seagulls currently sit in twelfth place on 11 points, two places behind Southampton, who own the tenth league position with 12 points.

With important wins over West Brom, Newcastle and West Ham, Brighton have looked impressive going forward, scoring seven goals in these three victories.

Brighton go into this game after an emphatic 3-0 away win to struggling West Ham, their first away win ever in the Premier League. Meanwhile, the trip to Brighton is Saints’ first away game for just under a month. Last time out, Sofiane Boufal was the hero as his brillaint solo goal in the 85th minute won all three points for the red and whites.

Brighton forward Tomer Hemed is available for the hosts after suspension, while midfielder Steve Sidwell remains on the sidelines with a persistent back injury.

Mauricio Pellegrino reported yesterday that midfielder Mario Lemina has picked up an ankle injury and will not be available.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Anthony Knockaert of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates as Glenn Murray scores their third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion at London Stadium on October 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Why Southampton will win

Although they have only won one of the last two games, Southampton have been playing some really exciting football. Saints have done well in previous games to create a lot of chances, and I will be expecting more of the same this time out.

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Hopefully, the visitors will be able to use their Premier League experience in their favour, and be able to use their class in order to get the three points.

Why Brighton will win

The hosts have made a solid start to the campaign, and do posses high quality players in their squad.

The Seagulls wide players a key to their success, and they can easily cause problems for the Saints back four and put them under pressure.

Team predictions

Southampton

Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster

Defence: Cedric Soares, Virgil van Dijk, Maya Yoshida, Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders: Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu, Sofiane Boufal, Dusan Tadic

Striker: Shane Long, Manolo Gabbiadini

Brighton and Hove Albion

Goalkeeper: Matthew Ryan

Defence: Bruno, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Gaetan Bong

Midfielders: Anthony Knockaert, Dale Stephens, Davy Propper, Izquierdo Mena, Pascal Groß

Striker: Glenn Murray

Next: Tadic hopes Saints have turned a corner

Verdict

The game will likely be an open, end-to-end affair with both teams believing they have a good chance of getting the three points.

However, despite Brighton’s quality, Southampton’s squad is stronger and deeper and I feel that by the end of the game they will have enough to see it through.

Brighton 1-2 Southampton

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