SOUTHAMPTON have been one of the Premier League's form teams since coming out of lockdown so Brighton will need to be at their best to stand any chance of taking something home from St Mary's.
Saints damaged Manchester United's top-four hopes in midweek when Michael Obafemi pounced in stoppage time to seal a deserved 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
They also stunned the blue half of Manchester earlier this month when Che Adams' stunning long-range strike sealed a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola's men.
Arsenal are the only team to have beaten Ralph Hasenhuttl's men since football came out of cold storage so Brighton face a daunting task after comprehensive defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in their last two games.
Five points clear of the drop zone with just three games to go, the Seagulls probably won't need any more points to secure Premier League survival for another season.
But they can't relax until they are mathematically safe and will be keen to finish the job with a victory in this south-coast showdown.
How the bookies view it
With Southampton in such good form I thought they would be evens at best but Hasenhuttl's side are available at a tempting 6/5 with Bet365. Brighton's best price is 5/2 at Unibet while the draw is 41/17 at VBet.
Saints have drawn their last two games, bringing all of my tips for their trip to Goodison before that point at Old Trafford, but I've a feeling they will edge this one.
Recent head to head
Southampton have held the bragging rights in recent seasons, going six games unbeaten in this fixture. They have won the last two meetings, both in Brighton, including a 2-0 triumph earlier this term (below).
The last two clashes at St Mary's have both ended in draws but Brighton haven't won in Southampton since a 3-1 victory in 2009.
Players to watch
Stuart Armstrong has delivered the last two times I flagged him up as a Southampton threat, scoring against Norwich then adding an assist against Everton at odds of 6/1.
The in-form Scotland midfielder is 9/2 with Paddy Power to net here but I'm going to back goal machine Danny Ings instead. He drew a blank against Manchester United but is 6/5 with Bet365 to grab his 23rd of the season.
Aussie midfielder Aaron Mooy is capable of a bit of magic and is a threat with his long-range shooting. He's 7/1 with Paddy Power for a goal here and that's a decent long-odds option.
Anything else catch the eye?
Southampton have hit the opening goal in their last four games and always try to start on the front foot. They are 4/5 with Paddy Power to break the deadlock in this one.
Both these sides have only won five penalties combined all season so you could argue they are due one. A spot-kick being awarded pays 11/4 at 888Sport.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion will be played on Jul 16, 2020 and kick off at 20:15. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
