Southampton vs Brighton Prediction & Tips
Southampton got off to a frustrating start to the final matchday in what will be their tight December schedule as they blew a lead twice to draw 2-2 against Leicester. With the mid-table area so congested, Southampton know that a win in this “South Coast Derby” is paramount, and having lost this match last season, they will come into this clash with the aim of revenge.
The local team must strengthen its defense to meet this objective. Giving in goals at any moment seems to make the whole Saints nervous, with 11 (a majority of 73%) of their 15 points obtained this season also being accompanied by an unbeaten goal. However, he has conceded eight goals in his last three games, which can only serve to alarm the home fans.
Brighton & Hove Albion, who reached fourth place after beating Leicester on Matchday 5, are on a nine-game winless streak (E7, P2). Their hopes of reaching European competition are seemingly hanging by a thread, and road performance has played its part, with the Sussex side winning just two of their seven league matches away from home.
Despite this poor record on rival soil, Brighton is one of the six Premier League teams to average more points in their away games than at home (W2, E4, P1). However, their strength often comes at the expense of entertainment, with five of their seven league visits so far producing less than 2.5 total goals.
Players to watch: Ché Adams has opened the scoring with three of his last four goals in PL for Southampton, while he also saw a rival goal when his team was visited by his rival on duty last season. As for Brighton, Neal Maupay scored an acrobatic goal to even the score in the closing minutes on the final matchday, and three of his five goals this season have served to level the score.
Highlight: Four of Southampton’s last six league games produced more than 1.5 goals in the first half.
Southampton – Brighton FREE TIPS
Brighton – Win @ 4.25
Both teams to score / YES @ 1.80
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.90
