Brighton – Fulham : Preview & Prediction
Brighton remain one of the biggest surprises in the Premier League (PL) this season, trailing fifth-placed Tottenham by just four points with two games in hand. Manager Roberto de Zerbi does not want the mentality of qualifying for European competition for the first time in the club’s history to fade, while admitting that his side were “unlucky” in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, where full-back Pervis Estupiñán saw his goal disallowed due to a VAR error.
That disappointment should be easy to overcome, with the Seagulls being unbeaten in five league games (G3, E2) and have only tasted defeat in 90 minutes against one of the PL leaders Arsenal since the resumption of the season. Brighton will now look for a fourth straight win at the Amex Stadium for the first time since March 2018, a mission that will be commanded by one of the best offenses in the division, with only Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham having scored more than them this campaign (39).
Fulham are doing their best to match the Seagulls this season, playing above the expected level to start this matchday level on points with Brighton, albeit having played two games more. Marco Silva’s side ended a three-game winless run in the PL with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in their last outing, a result the Cottagers will want to build on by beating Brighton in their two games in the same league campaign for the first time since 1993 after beating them 2-1 in August.
Despite their newly promoted status, Fulham look comfortable at this level and have had a stellar away form in all competitions of late (G4, E1, P1). The key to that good run has been a great defense that has conceded just three goals in that period, two of which were registered against a second-tier side like Sunderland in the FA Cup replay.
Players to watch: After squandering several chances against Crystal Palace, Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will be looking to find the opposition goal as he continues his impressive record of seven goals in all competitions this season. Fulham’s architect will likely be Andreas Pereira, who ranks fourth in the league in assists this season (six).
Standout Fact: Brighton’s nine goals in the first 15 minutes of play in PL matches this season are the most in the division.a>
Brighton – Fulham : Betting Tips
Brighton – Win Odds: 2.25
