Premier League: Brighton’s Big Shot to Close Gap on Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Who would have thought at the start of this Premier League season that Brighton would be in the thick of the Champions League race three-quarters into the campaign?

But that’s where we are as the Seagulls – who are sixth in the Premier League standings – look to close the four-point gap on fourth-placed Tottenham as they continue their quest for a spot in Europe’s top competition.

Spurs started off the Cristian Stellini era like they ended Antonio Conte’s tenure – by dropping points to a relegation-threatened side after a late equaliser.

Now they must take on a surging Seagulls team that is on an impressive unbeaten run under Roberto De Zerbi.

Talking Points

Spurs seek spark under Stellini

Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League 2023 odds of finishing in the top four took another hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in interim boss Cristian Stellini’s debut.

Michael Keane’s 90th-minute strike condemned Spurs to their second straight draw against a relegation-threatened side. They drew 3-3 with bottom side Southampton before the international break, which proved to be Antonio Conte’s last match in charge.

The draw leaves Spurs in fourth, tied with Newcastle and Manchester United at 50 points and four points clear of sixth-placed Brighton, but they have played two more games than those three teams.

Spurs’ first showing under Stellini was not impressive as they were outshot 15-8 despite controlling nearly 61 per cent of possession.

Harry Kane scored his 22nd Premier League goal of the season from the penalty spot, but Heung-Min Son – who had shown signs of life with a goal and an assist in his last two games before the international break – was disappointing as he finished with no shots.

Tottenham’s injury list remains quite lengthy, with the likes of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, and Emerson Royal still out. But on the bright side, captain Hugo Lloris made his return after two months out and looked sharp, making five saves.

Tottenham have been in stellar form at home lately, with four wins in a row and just one goal conceded.

Brighton’s unbeaten run continues

Brighton are not backing down in the race for Champions League football. In a week where their former boss Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea, Roberto De Zerbi still has the Seagulls flying high in sixth.

Brighton beat Bournemouth 2-0 last time out as they extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games, with three wins and two draws.

Teenagers Evan Ferguson and Julio Enciso scored the goals for the Seagulls, who continue to churn out promising young talent.

Meanwhile, breakout Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma continues to produce Premier League 2023 highlights as he extended his impressive streak of having at least a goal or an assist to seven straight games in all competitions.

Brighton have been brilliant away from home this season. They have the third-best away record in the Premier League behind only leaders Arsenal and champions Manchester City.

The Seagulls are on a seven-match unbeaten run away from home, with four wins and three draws. Those have been generally high-scoring affairs, with four more goals scored in five of those seven games. Their 2-0 win over Bournemouth was their first away clean sheet since holding West Ham scoreless back on Aug. 21.

History

Tottenham and Brighton have met 11 times previously in the Premier League era. Unsurprisingly, Spurs have the advantage in wins at 7-3, while there has been just one draw. Spurs came out on top 1-0 in their first meeting this season at the Amex thanks to a Harry Kane goal.

Recent Premier League encounters between the two clubs have been low-scoring; each of their last four games have had just two goals or fewer.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP odds for this match are somewhat surprising as Brighton have been installed as slight 2.49 favourites. Tottenham are priced at 2.54 despite being at home, while a draw is 3.30.

Based on recent form, Brighton are certainly more than capable of going into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and dealing another defeat to Spurs, who still have plenty of issues to sort out after the departure of Antonio Conte.

But it would be foolish to overlook Spurs and the overall quality of their squad. With Champions League football potentially at stake, look for Spurs to raise their game against Brighton and end the Seagulls’ unbeaten run.

 

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