Brighton – Tottenham : Preview & Prediction
Two Premier League (PL) clubs that were involved in surprising draws in their most recent official appearances will clash in what is predicted to be one of the closest matches of any major European league this weekend. After recently becoming the first and only club to take points at Anfield twice in PL soccer since the start of 2021/22 following their 3-3 draw with Liverpool the previous matchday, Brighton and Hove Albion should be feeling confident after matching their best start after seven games in a PL season (G4, E2, P1).
They could even overtake upcoming opponents Tottenham in third place with a win by two goals or more, something they have achieved three times in their last five PL home appearances (G4, E1). Coach Roberto de Zerbi, nicknamed “the little genius” during his playing days in Italy, seems to have carried his success with Shakhtar Donetsk over to England, and his challenge is to maintain this level, especially as he will know that Brighton dropped to ninth place in 2021/22 after winning four of their first five PL clashes that season.
Following their 0-0 UEFA Champions League draw in Frankfurt, Spurs manager Antonio Conte made a worrying prediction for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Claiming that his club will need one or two more transfer windows to be competitive in both the PL and Europe, some are now questioning which competition he will prioritize in the future after he suffered his first loss of the PL season in a 3-1 defeat to North London rivals Arsenal.
After muscle soreness forced him to miss out on a possible start against Arsenal, former Brighton man Yves Bissouma is expected to make his second start of the season, which will catch Brighton’s eye after they won five of their last six PL appearances for the Seagulls. With upcoming clashes against resurgent Everton and Manchester United on the horizon, this could be a pivotal trip in Tottenham’s season history and they will be looking to repeat the 2-0 win on their visit to this venue in PL last season.
Players to watch: Alan Shearer described Brighton striker Leandro Trossard as “simply magnificent” after recording Brighton’s first hat-trick in the PL, which was also the first by a visiting player in PL action at Anfield since Andrey Arshavin for Arsenal in 2009. While he is at least a few seasons away from the milestone, Tottenham’s Harry Kane is making rapid progress in the chase for Shearer’s all-time PL scoring record after netting goals in six of his last seven PL starts.
Fast Fact: All ten meetings between the sides in the PL since Brighton’s promotion to the top flight have recorded three or fewer total goals (average 2.1 goals).
Brighton – Tottenham : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
