Brighton vs Southampton Preview
- Brighton to win
- Over 2.5 goals
Friday night’s Premier League action features a South Coast derby as high-flying Brighton host bottom-placed Southampton at the AMEX Stadium.
With the Seagulls enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign and the Saints rooted to the bottom of the table, this match presents a fascinating contrast in fortunes.
Brighton: Flying High
Brighton continue to impress this season, with their 6-4-2 record leaving them just outside the Champions League spots on goal difference. A win here would temporarily elevate them to second place, showcasing the remarkable progress made under Roberto De Zerbi.
Returning to the AMEX Stadium should provide a boost for the Seagulls, who are unbeaten in their last six league games at home (W3, D3).
Despite keeping just one clean sheet during this run, Brighton have proven resilient, with two of those wins coming against top-six opposition.
However, their tendency to drop points against lower-ranked teams—drawing both home games against bottom-four sides this season—may cause concern among the home faithful.
Danny Welbeck has been a key player for Brighton, leading the team with six league goals this season. His strong record against Southampton, including five goal contributions in his last six league meetings with the Saints (G3, A2), makes him a pivotal figure in this clash.
Southampton: Struggling at the Bottom
Southampton’s season has been a nightmare so far, sitting four points adrift at the bottom of the table. The Saints travel to Brighton on the back of consecutive defeats, including a demoralizing 3-2 loss to Liverpool after taking the lead.
No team has dropped more points from winning positions this season than Southampton, highlighting their inability to close out games (W1, D1, L3 when leading).
Their away form is particularly dismal, with six losses from six games on the road and just three goals scored. Southampton fans have endured a 215-minute wait for an away league goal, and the task doesn’t get any easier against an in-form Brighton side.
One glimmer of hope for the Saints is their impressive record at the AMEX Stadium, losing just one of their last seven visits (W4, D2, L1). Alex McCarthy will be crucial in goal, with the stand-in keeper making eight saves from 11 shots faced since replacing the injured Aaron Ramsdale.
Key Battles
Danny Welbeck vs Alex McCarthy
Welbeck’s sharp form and history of delivering against Southampton make him a major threat.
McCarthy, deputizing for Ramsdale, will need to be at his best to keep the striker at bay.
Brighton’s Midfield vs Southampton’s Defense
Brighton’s creative midfield, led by Moisés Caicedo and Pascal Groß, will aim to exploit Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Saints must remain compact and organized to avoid being overrun.
Tactical Analysis
Brighton will likely dominate possession, relying on their intricate passing and fluid attacking play to break down Southampton’s defense. De Zerbi’s side will look to target the flanks, where Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma have excelled this season.
Southampton, under interim management, may opt for a cautious, counterattacking approach. They’ll aim to frustrate Brighton while relying on set pieces and transitions to create opportunities.
Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Southampton
Brighton’s form and confidence, combined with Southampton’s woeful away record, suggest a comfortable win for the home side. Expect Danny Welbeck to shine, while Southampton’s scoring struggles on the road will likely persist.
This result could further solidify Brighton’s place among the Premier League’s top contenders, while deepening the Saints’ relegation fears.
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Brighton v Southampton, 2024/25 | Premier League