This lunchtime, Southampton will face off against Brighton for the first time in Premier League, live on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.
The Saints could go as high as seventh with a win, as they look to finish the month undefeated after recording four points against Newcastle United and West Brom.
But Brighton themselves could potentially leap into the top half with a victory, after an impressive return to the top flight. Life-long Brighton fan Liam Richner believes that the Seagulls have taken the jump up to the top flight well.
"“I think we have started the season really well considering this is our first time in the top flight since 1982/83. “The Premier League was always going to be a massive step up after getting promoted from the Championship last season and we needed a few games to get accustom to that. But we have been competing in every game, and recent wins against West Brom, Newcastle and away at West Ham last week show we are here to compete with the teams around us.”"
Brighton’s squad might of been tipped for relegation but several of Chris Hughton’s players have delivered in the opening nine Premier League games, meaning they will be no easy opposition for the Saints this lunchtime. Liam believes the side have three key danger-men who could trouble Southampton.
"“Anthony Knockaert is a tricky winger for any defender. He is a great dribbler with the ball and his low sense of gravity makes it easy for him to run past defenders. He was last season’s Championship Player of the Year, but found life in the Premier League tough early on.More from Saints MarchingGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: ArrivalsGrading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: DeparturesIt’s time to talk about Gavin BazunuRain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth ArgyleA lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse“Pascal Groß is another man to certainly watch out for. The German has been involved in almost all of Brighton’s goals this season, with two goals and four assists to his name already. He was signed in the summer from Ingolstadt and has become an instant hero at the Amex.“Also Glenn Murray scored a brace in our 3-0 win at West Ham last Friday, and even though he is now 34 years old, he will only need one chance to find the back of the net.”"
Despite this, Brighton are still fourth-favourites to get relegated with the long Premier League season seemingly set to take it’s toll on Hughton’s players by the end of the campaign.
Paddy Power currently offer odds of 23/10 for the Seagulls to go back down, suggesting their are elements of the Brighton side which aren’t as strong as they can be. Liam believes that the Saints could have plenty of luck down the left side.
"“The left-back position has been our biggest issue. Markus Suttner hasn’t set the world alight since joining in the summer. “Gaetan Bong played well last week against West Ham, but he is yet to be truly tested in the Premier League. I think this game could suit the likes of Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond for that reason.”"
Next: Southampton ten-game player analysis: Mario Lemina
However the Saints and their squad have had a relatively indifferent start to the campaign themselves, having only just gained momentum after back-to-back losses to Watford and Manchester United.
The Saints have a record of exactly three wins, three draws and three losses to start the season, having scored eight and conceded nine. Three goals in the last two games is the Saints’ most consistent run in front of goal, having previously fired blanks in many of their games.
Liam, who studied in Southampton for three years, agrees that the Saints’ start has lacked consistency.
"“It’s been indifferent. It was a tough summer for Southampton with Mauricio Pellegrino replacing Claude Puel as manager and the whole Virgil van Dijk saga, but I think they are improving with every match. “Their defence has looked solid in most games, but have struggled for goals. I think that’s because the manager still doesn’t know his strongest XI.”"
Brighton versus Southampton kicks off today at 1:30 PM. Saints Marching’s official predictions suggests a 2-1 victory in favour of the away side, whilst Liam predicts that Brighton will instead come out as victors, 1-0.