Leicester vs Brighton Preview
- Leicester to win
- Both teams to score
Leicester City will look to build on their midweek success under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy as they host Brighton in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday.
With both teams aiming to bounce back or maintain momentum, this fixture has the makings of an intriguing encounter.
Leicester City: A Fresh Start
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester began in emphatic fashion with a 3-1 victory over West Ham, which lifted the Foxes further away from the relegation zone.
The new manager will now aim to become only the third Leicester boss to win his first two Premier League games in charge.
He also became the first manager to beat a team twice and then go on to manage them in the same season after overseeing two wins against the Foxes while in the caretaker role at United.
Van Nistelrooy was quick to mention that he liked what he saw from the Leicester players and was already looking forward to the clash against Brighton.
Indeed, Leicester’s Sunday home form offers cause for optimism, with an impressive record of six wins, three draws, and just one loss in their last ten top-flight Sunday fixtures at King Power Stadium.
However, their overall home form this season has been less encouraging (W2, D2, L3), and the Foxes are winless in their last four Premier League meetings with Brighton (D2, L2).
A strong performance here could reignite Leicester’s early dominance over the Seagulls, as they won six of the first eight Premier League head-to-heads (H2Hs). They will fancy their chances against a Brighton side that has blown hot and cold this season.
Brighton: Aiming for Consistency
Brighton travel to the East Midlands following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Fulham in midweek, a match influenced by the absence of manager Fabian Hürzeler, who served a touchline ban.
With Hürzeler back on the sidelines, Brighton will hope to steady the ship and capitalise on their mixed away form, which alternates between wins and losses (W2, L3).
Historically, Brighton have struggled at King Power Stadium, failing to win any of their six Premier League visits (D3, L3). In fact, their last victory on this ground came in April 2014.
Compounding matters, Brighton’s record against newly-promoted sides suggests this could be a tight contest, with five of their last seven league games against such opponents ending in draws (W1, L1).
Players to Watch
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Jamie Vardy loves a goal against teams with Albion in their name, scoring 11 goals in his last 14 league appearances against such opponents. His knack for delivering in key moments will be pivotal as Leicester seek to extend their winning streak under Van Nistelrooy.
João Pedro (Brighton)
Brighton’s João Pedro is a second-half specialist, having scored 12 of his 14 Premier League goals after the break. If the Seagulls find themselves chasing the game, Pedro’s influence could prove decisive in turning the tide.
Tactical Insights
Leicester’s Approach
Under Van Nistelrooy, Leicester’s attacking play was reinvigorated against West Ham, and they’ll aim to replicate that intensity.
Expect the Foxes to press high and utilise Vardy’s pace to exploit Brighton’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Brighton’s Game Plan
Brighton will likely aim for a structured approach, with Hürzeler emphasizing defensive discipline and counterattacks. João Pedro and their wide players could be key to stretching Leicester’s defense.
Match Prediction
Leicester’s strong Sunday home record and the momentum under Van Nistelrooy give them an edge, but Brighton’s resilience and second-half scoring threat could make this a tightly contested game.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Brighton
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Leicester v Brighton, 2024/25 | Premier League