Brighton lost two points to Ipswich. That’s the best way to describe their most recent performance from the previous weekend.
It was a completely one-sided game. Brighton had 70% possession, 1.76 xG, and attempted 21 shots at the goal.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw but extended Brighton’s unbeaten streak in the new season to five games. The Seagulls will be motivated for a better performance against Wolves, although Fabian Hurzeler is guaranteed to make significant changes in the line-up.
Wolverhampton cannot boast the same success since the start of the campaign. The Old Gold remain winless in the Premier League, with a single point taken after four rounds. Wolves’ only win was against Burnley in the previous round of the EFL Cup.
But given that Burnley got sent back to the Championship and are going through a serious transition period, that outcome came as no surprise. Nevertheless, the Carabao Cup presents Gary O’Neil with an opportunity to test other players and use this fixture to boost morale.
How the bookies view it: Brighton to make it to the next round
Brighton are everyone’s favourite but perhaps not to the extent they would have been if this was a Premier League fixture. Betfred priced them at 8/11, Wolves’ chances at 100/30, and the draw at 11/4.
Recent head-to-head: Brighton scored 10 goals in two games
Brighton have generally had the upper hand in h2h meetings, although the last few years saw a more competitive rivalry. More recently, the Seagulls won three of the last five h2hs, including 6-0 and a 4-1 wins in the last couple of seasons.
Players to watch: Simon to prove himself?
Several of Brighton’s fringe players will get a rare chance this week as the team suffers a long list of injuries. Gruda, Milner, O’Riley, Wieffer, and March remain injured while Evan Ferguson seems to be confirmed out as well. Others will simply get some rest.
Watch out for young Adingra Simon, who scored against Crawley in the previous round. The 22-year-old winger has not been getting a lot of chances in the PL but will potentially play 90 minutes against Wolves. He has scored 2 goals in 165 minutes on the pitch this season.
Probable line-ups
Brighton: Verbruggen, Webster, Lamptey, Igor, Estupinian, Baleba, Samuels, Ayari, Rutter, Adringa, Enciso
Wolves: Sa, Bueno, Doherty, Dawson, Toti, Lemina, Doyle, Andre, Sarabia, Forbs, Guedes
Anything else catch the eye?
Brighton have a backbone of young players who are hungry and desperate to prove themselves and earn more minutes in the Premier League. A few of them will participate in this fixture, and we believe that Brighton will have a more competitive squad in pursuit of the goal.
Let’s not forget how consistent Brighton have been at home in recent years. Their only defeats in the last 12 months came at the end of the previous PL campaign, at the hands of Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and United.
Aside from this bad period from April – May, Brighton’s most recent home defeat dates back to September 2023. Wolverhampton should not be able to change that, but at least one goal is to be expected. Wolves scored against every team except Arsenal.
This EFL Cup match between Brighton and Wolves will be played on Sep 18, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton vs Wolves prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
