Brighton vs Brentford Preview
- Draw or Brighton win
- Over 2.5 goals
The Amex Stadium sets the stage for Friday night’s Premier League encounter as Brighton look to end a frustrating winless run against a struggling Brentford side.
Both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around during the busy festive period, promising an exciting matchup on the south coast.
Brighton: Searching for Spark
Brighton enter this fixture on the back of a five-game winless run (D3, L2), with dropped points from winning positions in two of their last three outings adding to the Seagulls’ frustration. Fabian Hürzeler’s side has been defined by their entertaining style, with 16 of his 20 matches in charge featuring both teams scoring.
Returning to the Amex offers hope, where Brighton have lost just once in the league this season (W3, D4, L1).
Goals are almost guaranteed under Hürzeler, with nine of his 11 competitive home games seeing both sides find the net. A positive result here is vital for Brighton to re-establish themselves as a top-half contender.
Key Player: Mats Wieffer
Wieffer scored his first goal for Brighton last time out, continuing his knack for scoring decisive team-opening goals. He’ll be key to driving the midfield and contributing in attack.
Brentford: Struggles on the Road
Thomas Frank’s Brentford travel to Brighton in equally poor form, having lost four of their last five competitive matches (W1).
An injury crisis has forced Frank to rotate his squad, but their away form provides little encouragement. The Bees have picked up just one point on the road this Premier League season (D1, L7), the joint-lowest in the league.
While their away results have been dire, Brentford have at least scored exactly once in each of their last seven competitive away defeats, highlighting their ability to remain competitive despite defensive frailties. Frank will need his side to dig deep to salvage a result and end the year on a positive note.
Key Player: Yoane Wissa
Wissa’s consistency in front of goal could prove pivotal. He has scored in every other game over his last eight outings and tends to find the net early, with his last five scoring Premier League appearances all featuring first-half goals.
Tactical Battle
- Brighton’s Approach:
Brighton will aim to dominate possession and press high, relying on Wieffer’s creativity and their attacking depth to stretch Brentford’s defence. Their focus will be on converting chances to avoid another draw from a winning position. - Brentford’s Approach:
Brentford are likely to sit deep and play on the counter, utilising Wissa’s pace and Ivan Toney’s hold-up play. With defensive injuries a concern, they’ll aim to limit Brighton’s attacking opportunities and capitalize on set-pieces.
What’s at Stake?
- Brighton: Victory is crucial to end their winless streak and consolidate their position in the top half of the table.
- Brentford: Avoiding defeat would be a significant morale boost and help close the gap to Brighton in the standings.
Head-to-Head Insights
- Brighton have lost just once at home in the Premier League this season (W3, D4, L1).
- Brentford have picked up only one point on the road in the league this season (D1, L7).
- Mats Wieffer has scored his team’s opener in his last four goals for Brighton.
- Yoane Wissa has netted before half-time in his last five scoring Premier League appearances.
Prediction
Both teams are in need of a win, but Brighton’s solid home form and Brentford’s dreadful away record tilt the balance in favour of the Seagulls. Expect an open game with goals at both ends, but Brighton’s attacking edge should see them through.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Brentford
This festive fixture promises a competitive and entertaining battle as Brighton look to reignite their season and Brentford search for their first away win of the campaign. Fans at the Amex are in for an action-packed evening under the lights.
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Brighton v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League