AliousBrighton & Hove Albion will aim to build on their recent momentum as they travel to face struggling Southampton in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday.
The Saints, under Ivan Juric, are desperate for a turnaround, having endured a nightmare campaign that leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table, ten points adrift of safety. With just two wins and three draws from 25 matches, their hopes of survival are hanging by a thread. Their recent 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town offered a glimmer of optimism, but back-to-back defeats since then have dampened any momentum they hoped to build. If they want to avoid another disappointing result, they must deliver a significantly better performance than their lackluster 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth last time out.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion sit in tenth place with 37 points. Despite suffering only six losses this season, their progress has been hindered by ten draws. However, after consecutive Premier League defeats, the Seagulls bounced back in style, securing a crucial FA Cup and league double over Chelsea. That confidence boost could prove vital as they head into this encounter looking to secure another victory.
Team News & Probable Lineups**
Southampton**
The Saints have received a much-needed boost with Flynn Downes and Jack Stephens returning to the squad. However, they remain without Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ryan Fraser, and Ross Stewart.
Juric is likely to deploy a **3-4-1-2** formation, with Aaron Ramsdale in goal. James Bree, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens will form the back three, while Yukinari Sugawara and Kyle Walker-Peters operate as wing-backs. In midfield, Joe Aribo and Lesley Ugochukwu will aim to dictate play, with Mateus Fernandes positioned further forward to provide attacking support. Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu are expected to lead the line.
**Predicted XI (3-4-1-2):** Ramsdale; Bree, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Aribo, Ugochukwu, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Sulemana, Onuachu.
Brighton & Hove Albion**
Roberto De Zerbi’s side could be without up to seven key players. Lewis Dunk, Solly March, and Pervis Estupiñán are doubtful, while Jason Steele, James Milner, Igor Julio, and Ferdi Kadioglu remain sidelined.
Brighton are expected to set up in a **5-4-1** system, with Bart Verbruggen between the sticks. A defensive trio of Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Adam Webster will be shielded by wing-backs Yankuba Minteh and Tariq Lamptey. In midfield, Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood will be responsible for controlling possession, flanked by Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma. Danny Welbeck is likely to lead the attack as the lone striker.
**Predicted XI (5-4-1):** Verbruggen; Minteh, Van Hecke, Webster, Veltman, Lamptey; Rutter, Baleba, Hinshelwood, Mitoma; Welbeck.
Key Stats**
– Southampton hold the edge in their historical head-to-head battles, with **36 wins in 80 meetings**, compared to Brighton’s **23 victories**.
– The last clash between these two sides ended in a **1-1 draw**.
– Brighton are unbeaten in their **last six matches** against Southampton.
– Southampton have the **worst attack and defense** in the Premier League, scoring just **19 goals while conceding 57**.
– Brighton have played out the **most draws (10) in the league this season**.
Player to Watch – Kaoru Mitoma**
Brighton’s Japanese winger has been a game-changer this season. With **six goals and three assists** in 25 league appearances, his impact on the team’s attacking output cannot be overstated. His four goal contributions in Brighton’s last three league wins highlight his importance, and he will be a major threat to Southampton’s leaky defense.
Match Prediction**
Southampton’s dismal form and defensive vulnerabilities make them underdogs heading into this fixture. Brighton, while inconsistent, have shown they can rise to the occasion when needed. Given the Saints’ struggles and the Seagulls’ superior squad depth, an away win seems the likeliest outcome.
**Prediction: Southampton 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion.**
Alious
