Brighton & Hove Albion will be bidding to make it three wins on the bounce in the English Premier League when they play host to Southampton on Friday night.
After claiming the scalp of Man City before the international break, the Seagulls followed up on that success by battling to a 2-1 win away at Bournemouth last weekend, on an afternoon where both of my recommended bets landed.
That pair of victories has propelled Fabian Hurzeler’s high-flying team up to the lofty heights of fifth place in the top-flight standings.
Seeking to move up to second spot – at least temporarily – Brighton will look to bank another three points when they square off with south coast rivals Southampton.
Russell Martin's rock-bottom side are at risk of being cut adrift at the foot of the table following last Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, in a game that brought up one of my St Mary's selections.
That latest setback has left the Saints five points away from safety and they face a tall order in their bid to trim those arrears when they make the short trip to the Amex on Friday night.
How the bookies view it: Seagulls to sink Saints
Brighton – who have avoided defeat in each of their opening six Premier League home games of the season – are firm 4/11 favourites with Betano.
Southampton are as big as 6/1 (Betano) to secure their first away win of the season, while an all square affair at the Amex has been chalked up at 4/1 (Betano).
Head to head: Advantage Albion
Brighton have held the upper hand in this fixture in recent times, avoiding defeat in each of their last five meetings with the Saints, triumphing on three occasions.
Southampton last tasted victory at this venue way back in December 2020, with a late Danny Ings penalty proving decisive.
Players to watch: Danny to deliver?
Danny Welbeck has scored six goals and provided two assists across his 12 Premier League appearances this season. The experienced Brighton forward is an eye-catching 10/11 (PaddyPower) to register another goal involvement against one of the leakiest defences in the division on Friday night.
Adam Armstrong's two Premier League goals this season have arrived across his last two appearances. The Saints forward is 18/5 on UniBet to notch at the Amex.
Predicted line-ups
Carlos Baleba will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off at Bournemouth last week, meaning Mats Wieffer could be drafted into the Brighton starting XI on Friday night.
As was the case last Sunday, Southampton will again be without injured trio Aaron Ramsdale, Jan Bednarek and Will Smallbone.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Igor, Estupinan; Ayari, Wieffer; Mitoma; Pedro, Rutter; Welbeck
Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Downes, Aribo; Armstrong, Fernandes, Dibling; Onuachu
Anything else catch the eye?
Flynn Downes has been a frequent offender for Southampton this season, making him an attractive option to commit two or more fouls on Friday night at 4/5 on Bet 365,
The Saints midfielder has overstepped the mark on multiple occasions in six of his 11 Premier League outings this season, including three of his last four.
In direct opposition to Downes is likely to be Joao Pedro, who has drawn an average of 1.33 fouls per-game in the Premier League this season.
This English Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton will be played on Nov 29, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
