Brighton vs Southampton: Premier League Preview and Predictions

Southampton return to Premier League action this Saturday when they take on Brighton in what Hasenhuttl has deemed as a six-pointer.

The first match up between the two sides saw the away team come back from a 2-0 deficit and tie it in the dying moments at the expense of the Saints. It was a match the Saints were dominating for most of the time but fell apart at the end as they conceded a penalty that cost them all 3 points.

Now, both teams are close on the table (at the wrong end) and a win for either would prove huge in the fight for survival. So let us take a look at how both teams could win this match and have some breathing room.

How Brighton Will Win

Brighton are a team that are much more comfortable at home. They have been slowly sliding down the table and will look to bounce back against the Saints. The first time they met Hughes was still the manager of the Saints and they took advantage of the Saints weak mentality under their former manager.

The Seagulls face a tougher task this time with Hasenhuttl at the helm but they will still look to win the match in front of their home fans. The Saints under Hasenhuttl have struggled when opponents have decided to sit back and concede possession to the Saints. The Saints have a tough time breaking down a defense and scoring when the defense sets up in a low block.

If the Seagulls sit back and hit the opponents on the counter they could come away with the result and more space between them and the bottom.

How Southampton Will Win

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Hasenhuttl has had ample time to plan for this match and we will see what the Austrian has cooked up. He needs to figure out how to break down defenses who are willing to sit back and absorb pressure. If he has solved that issue this could be a walk in the park for Southampton.

I believe Nathan Redmond is the key to breaking down opponents. The Saints lack players with speed and ability on the ball so sadly it will come down to one player to dribble past a few defenders and open it up in the final third.

Fortunately, Redmond has enough talent to do so on his own. If he can beat a few defenders and the other players make runs in behind they will have plenty of chances at net they will just need to convert those chances.

Predicted Lineups

Brighton 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Mat Ryan

Defenders: Bernardo, Shane Duffy, Lewis Dunk, Martin Montoya

Midfielders: Davy Proppe, Dale Stephans, Yves Bissouma

Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Glenn Murray, Anthony Knockaert

Southampton: 3-4-2-1

Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn

Defenders: Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Maya Yoshida

Midfielders: Yan Valery, Oriel Romeu, Pierre-Emili Hojbjerg, Ryan Bertrand

Attacking Midfielders: Nathan Redmond, James Ward-Prowse

Striker: Danny Ings

Predicted Score:

Brighton 1-2 Southampton