Tottenham v Brighton – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Tottenham host Brighton in the English Premier League on Saturday. Spurs conceded late to drop points last time out and sit fifth in the table. The Seagulls ended a run of one win in seven league matches by thrashing Crystal Palace. These teams faced off in December as Brighton won 4-2.

Spurs Form

Spurs are in strong form and have lost just once in eight league fixtures with five wins. Their last match saw a 94th-minute goal conceded to drop two points in a 2-2 draw at Everton. They allowed 2.62 xG and probably only deserved a point. Before that, they won three in a row before being thrashed 4-2 at Brighton.

A 3-1 home win over Bournemouth and a 1-0 home win over Burnley in the FA Cup followed. They then drew 2-2 at Man Utd after being behind twice before a tame 1-0 loss at home to Man City with only one shot at goal. Before the draw at Goodison Park, they beat Brentford 3-2 at home to make it 12 points from the last four home league matches.

Spurs Team News

Yves Bissouma is available again after Mali were knocked out of the AFCON. Heung-Min Son could also be available after the Korea Republic’s semi-final exit at the Asia Cup. Giovani Lo Celso is still ruled out injured.

Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon are absent in the wide areas. Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr are both pushing for recalls to the XI.

Spurs Motivation

Postecoglou plays a very attacking game and will look to press Brighton high and win the game.

Against Everton, he introduced an extra defender to try to protect the lead and it backfired.

Brighton Form

The Seagulls have won four of their last seven matches. They’ve alternated wins and firing blanks in that streak. They thrashed Tottenham 4-2 at home having led 4-0. A 0-0 draw at West Ham preceded a 4-2 FA Cup win at Stoke City. Another goalless performance followed as Brighton drew 0-0 at home to Wolves.

Brighton then put five goals past Sheffield United in a 5-2 away FA Cup victory. A truly awful 4-0 humbling at Luton Town saw them allow 3.21 Expected Goals. They bounced back to beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at home as they only allowed their opponents 0.30 xG.

Brighton Team News

Kaoru Mitoma is back from the Asia Cup to boost options in the wide areas. Simon Adingra is not available as his Ivory Coast side are playing in the AFCON final. Solly March remains out long-term on the wing.

James Milner will play no part due to a thigh injury and this match comes too soon for Julio Enciso. Joel Veltman is another who is ruled out due to a knee problem.

Brighton Motivation

De Zerbi’s side will attack and play to beat Spurs again. They’ve been struggling to score goals but could have Mitoma available again.

A draw would be a decent result, but they won’t settle for one at one point.

Key Stats

Spurs have won 5 of their last 8 EPL matches (2 draws)

Tottenham have won 12 of the last 16 meetings between the clubs.

Spurs have won their last 4 home EPL matches (12 goals scored)

Brighton have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 EPL matches

Brighton are winless in six away league matches (LLDDDL)

Verdict

Goals are expected in this match. Backing Over 3.5 goals look like a smart tip. Spurs are winning at the home of late and should have enough to win the fixture.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 1.95

Alternate Bet: Tottenham win at 1.80

Value Bet: Tottenham win and both teams to score at 2.75

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis