Brighton & Hove Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Date: 27/10/2018
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Amex Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Premier League
Referee: Anthony Taylor
An in-form Brighton & Hove Albion will be hosting Nuno Espirito Santos’ Wolves who were soundly beaten by Watford at Molineux last weekend.
Wolves began the season rather brilliantly, and many were surprised at their strength against the Manchester heavyweights, United and City. Nuno’s team seemed to have found the formula for success in England’s top flight, conceding only six goals before their loss against Watford.
However, the formula broke down rather spectacularly against Gracia’s Hornets, and naming an unchanged lineup for a record 9th time pushed Wolves out of 7th place into 9th. A team that had looked so efficient against Crystal Palace and Manchester United lost its flair in front of its fans at Molineux, where Wolves were reminded that the Premier League has no place for complacency.
Brighton are becoming more and more composed as the season continues, and their most recent win against Newcastle showcased the Seagull’s resilience and determination. The loss of Glenn Murray, Brighton’s top scorer, early in the match was quite the blow for Hughton’s men. However, the team’s resolve after Murray’s injury showed that Brighton are more than a one-man show and are equally capable of finding success in adverse situations.
The team is regaining confidence and their rich vein of form will definitely be an encouragement against a wounded Wolves side. Brighton’s lack of consistency and wastefulness early in the season has been replaced with organisation and cohesiveness, and their manager will be relishing the opportunity to extend their run to three consecutive wins.
Wolves have no reason to worry yet as they still sit comfortably in the table. They have outperformed their newly promoted counterparts, Cardiff and Fulham. Yet that does not look like the standard of success for Nuno’s men, and they will be looking to re-establish themselves after being humiliated at home.
Brighton’s ambitions, however, easily match that of their opponent, and Hughton will surely be crafting a plan to neutralise Moutinho and Neves, the engines in Wolves’ midfield. Brighton promoted last season, Wolves promoted this season – the match is primed to be a passionate contest between two ambitious sides who aim to take their place amongst the top teams in the Premier League.
Team News
Brighton
Pascal Groß, Glenn Murray, and Bruno are doubts for the weekend; luckily for Hughton, Brighton have played well despite the absence of their key man last season, Groß. Likewise, they should do well without Murray.
There has been little talk over Mat Ryan, but his performance against Newcastle brings him to the forefront. His acrobatic saves were crucial in maintaining the Seagull’s recent clean sheet against the Magpies, and his save to keep out Jonjo Shelvey’s free kick late in the match was particularly impressive. One of Brighton’s most refined talents is their ability to maintain an organised defence; Ryan continues to be a foundational piece in that backline and will pose a challenge to the Wolves attack.
Wolves
Wolves travel to the South Coast with a fully fit squad, and Nuno will be keen to finally make some changes to the starting XI.
Wolves’ defence has done extremely well and remains one of the best in the league thus far. Yet, there are some deficiencies in the attack made clear by the fact that they’ve only scored nine goals despite all their chances. Jota, who so many thought would be Wolves’ key man this season, has been anonymous in most matches, and Helder Costa has also been rather wasteful in front of goal.
Raul Jimenez has been involved in 62% of Wolves’ goals, and while that is great for Jimenez, it does not bode well for Wolves. A lack of effectiveness in front of goal and a lack of creativity is costing Nuno’s side, and it may be time to introduce Cavaleiro or Adama Traore into the starting lineup.
Predicted Starting XI’s:
Brighton: (4-4-1-1) – Mat Ryan; Bruno, Dunk, Duffy, Bong; Jahanbakhsh, Stephens, Kayal, Izquierdo; Solly March; Locadia.
Wolves: (3-4-3) – Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Moutinho, Neves, Jonny; Costa, Jimenez, Jota.
Prediction: Brighton 1 Wolves 1
Brighton are favourites for this match, as Wolves looked rather one dimensional in their last outing. The Seagulls have looked more resourceful and dynamic in recent matches, and I believe they’ll display that dynamism against Wolves.
Wolves have plenty to fix before Saturday, and I believe we will see more great football from Nuno’s men. Yet, I see them having a great deal of trouble breaking down Hughton’s men who have a great record at home.
Both teams will score, but I believe the match will end in a draw.
