Brighton and Hove Albion vs Southampton
Date: 07/12/2020
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Amex Stadium
Referee: David Coote
TV: Sky Sports
It’s a battle on the south coast as Brighton host Southampton on Monday night.
Brighton have failed to beat Southampton since their promotion to the Premier League, yet come into the game in good form, having gained five points from their last three games. The Seagulls salvaged a hard-fought draw against the league champions, Liverpool, last weekend, scoring an injury-time penalty to equalise amid a chaotic storm of VAR controversy.
After being labeled as underperformers for a large majority of the 20/21 season, the Seagulls are starting to show their resilience, having lost only once in their last six league games, to a high-flying Tottenham side. Brighton’s ability to hold out for draws in games they were unlikely to win, as we saw last week against Liverpool, could be crucial come the end of the season. Of course, Graham Potter would expect his side to pick up more wins than they have done so far this season, however, with the league being as open as it is this year, having a solid base of points to build from is almost essential.
Looking ahead to Monday’s fixture, Brighton have to build upon the promising signs they have shown in their last few fixtures, to start to rectify their league table position. Despite being in 16th, the Seagulls have had the fourth-most shots in the league this season, behind only Manchester City, Liverpool and Leeds.
This attacking philosophy which Potter has installed in Brighton needs to be rewarded with a greater execution; however, with lead striker Neal Maupay injured, the responsibility lies with Danny Welbeck to deliver the goods for Potter’s side. The Englishman scored in Brighton’s most recent win against Aston Villa and won the penalty in their last game which secured them a late equaliser. Should Welbeck start to regain some of his former self, we could see Brighton rise quickly into mid-table.
On the contrary, Southampton’s season has been one of realisation, rather than a missed opportunity. The Saints have finally seemed to click, putting together all the tactics and player development Ralph Hasenhuttl has been working on for the past few seasons. Southampton currently find themselves in 8th, seven points off top spot. They could have been a lot closer had they not suffered a late-game capitulation against Manchester United, which saw them concede three without reply to lose 3-2.
Despite having a poor second half, it’s hard to argue the Saints lost the game due to their errors, as Manchester United, and more specifically Edinson Cavani was a class above. Hasenhuttl will be disappointed about the result but will know it was not a fair reflection of the excellent work they have done this season. Looking ahead to their fixture against Brighton, it is a perfect chance for the saints to move themselves up into the Champions League places.
The Seagulls have been hard to beat; however, Southampton has found a way to score in almost every game they have played this season, boasting one of the best attacking records in the league. Whether it be through the set-piece threat of James Ward-Prowse or the in-form combination of Danny Ings and Che Adams, Southampton will have a lot of attacking threat for Brighton to withstand.
Team News
Brighton:
Potter comes into the tie with a fair few players unavailable. Adam Lallana, Neal Maupay, Alexis Mac Allister, Jose Izquierdo, Davy Proper, and Chris Walton are all doubts.
Southampton:
Hasenhuttl could be given a considerable boost, as Nathan Redmond and Danny ings could return for Monday’s fixture.
Predicted Starting XIs
Brighton: Ryan, White, Dunk, Webster, Veltman, Groß, Bissouma, March, Trossard, Welbeck, Connolly.
Southampton: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand, Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Djenepo, Walcott, Adams
Predicted Score: Brighton 1-2 Southampton
Following a late defeat at Manchester United, Southampton will be out to correct their losing ways with a win against Brighton. Signs have been promising for Potter’s side; however, Southampton has been in fine form this season and should topple the Seagulls.
