Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion
It may not be the South Coast derby that football fans grew up seeing, but the Southampton-Brighton match in the Premier League is no less exciting as the two clubs try to move up the ladder.
The Saints and the Seagulls recently met each other in the Carabao Cup, with the former coming out on top with a 1-0 victory at the Falmer Stadium. However, while Brighton lost, they recently proved they are ready to compete as they came back from two goals down against Fulham to snatch a point.
Southampton and Brighton are currently tied on points after one win, one draw and two defeats in their last four league fixtures. Southampton, though, are on 13th place and one above Chris Hughton’s charges, thanks to a slight advantage on goal difference.
Talking Points
After failing to get a win in their first three matches of the 2018/19 season, Southampton finally got their first league victory last weekend at the expense of Crystal Palace. Now, Mark Hughes’ men will look to build on that win and carry the momentum as they head home to host Brighton.
Danny Ings has been sensational for the Saints so far and has already scored twice in four matches. He was on target in the Crystal Palace game, opening the scoring for the team as they put on a convincing display.
The 26-year-old on-loan forward from Liverpool has already reinvigorated the Saints attack with his playmaking and creativity, and expectations are high that he can lead Southampton’s offence once again when they play the Seagulls.
Even Brighton’s manager, Hughton, is already wary of the in-form Ings and claimed that the striker’s desperation to play—after a couple of big injuries—”makes him a very difficult opponent.”
One concern for Southampton ahead of the match is the injury concerns to their striker duo of Shane Long and Charlie Austin. According to the latest Premier League 2018 news, Long has a problem with his toe while Austin continues to be bothered by his hamstring issues.
The absence of the two will be a huge blow to Southampton, especially Austin who scored the winner against Brighton in their match last August.
Brighton, on the other hand, will be motivated to get back on winning ways. Following their narrow defeat to Liverpool, the Seagulls showed their depth as they battled back from a two-goal deficit to share the spoils with Fulham before the international break.
Glenn Murray bagged a brace in that game, so there are high hopes that he can replicate that fine form as they also try to take their revenge against their South Coast opponents.
Brighton playmaker Pascal Gross, however, is facing a fitness test due to an ankle injury. Fortunately for Hughton, Jose Izquierdo and summer signing Florin Andone from La Liga side Deportivo have both returned to training and could be involved in the Tuesday clash at St. Mary’s.
History
As mentioned, Southampton won their latest meeting with Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Nevertheless, while that will be a great confidence booster for the hosts, they will still be cautious of the visitors who drew with them in both of their league fixtures last campaign.
Their last fight at St. Mary’s, in fact, saw Brighton score within seven minutes before Southampton levelled matters in the second half to pull off a 1-1 draw.
Interestingly though, Murray was on target for the Seagulls in both of their meetings with the Saints last season. Hence, his return to form couldn’t be more timely for the visiting team.
Moreover, Southampton’s poor home record shouldn’t be forgotten. The team have won only three home fixtures in the 2017/18 campaign and just once in their past 13 English top-flight fixtures at St. Mary’s.
Betting Tip
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Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion | 1X2 Draw @ 3.30 |
| September 18, 03:00 (GMT+8) |
Thanks to their recent victory, Southampton are tipped to win against Brighton in Premier League 2018 betting. The SBOBET football odds have Hughes’ men as the clear favourites to come out on top, while Hughton’s side is well behind.
Nonetheless, I think this will be a closer contest than what the odds suggest. Southampton are more dangerous up front with Ings leading the attack, but their injury woes and poor home record should be taken into consideration.
On the other hand, while Brighton are winless in their last three in all competitions, I like what I saw from them in the Fulham game. Murray should also provide enough challenge to the hosts and extend his scoring streak against them.
I think a stalemate is a likely result, and it’s not far-fetched to see another 1-1 draw—just like their past two league meetings.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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