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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton odds and betting statistics
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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton match preview
These two clubs may be located just 62 miles apart, but they’re very much going in opposite directions.
Brighton & Hove Albion need the points as they seek to qualify for European competition for the very first time.
Last Sunday, the Seagulls enjoyed one of the most impressive victories of all-time, swatting aside Arsenal 3-0 in North London, with Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupiñán all scoring.
However, on Thursday night, Roberto De Zerbi’s team could not back this up, suffering a three goal defeat of their own at the hands of Newcastle.
They were 2-0 down by half time at St James’ Park, Undav did then managed to halve the deficit, but two quick-fire goals in stoppage time saw Brighton resoundingly beaten in the end.
Nevertheless, the Albion remain sixth, starting the weekend one point above both Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Remember, sixth place secures Europa League qualification, seventh is Europa Conference League while eighth is no European football at all.
Thus, this is a massive week for Brighton & Hove Albion, so will they start it with a win over their South Coast neighbours?
In stark contrast, this is a season to forget for Southampton, with their relegation having been confirmed last weekend.
The Saints put in yet another lifeless, meek performance, this time easily beaten 2-0 by Fulham at St Mary’s.
Rubén Sellés actually won two of his first three matches in charge, beating both Chelsea and Leicester, but his team are without a victory in 11 since.
Thus, Southampton’s 11-year stay in the Premier League has come to an end, with their winless streak unlikely to end, given that they welcome Liverpool to Hampshire on the final day.
Brighton are unbeaten in four meetings with Southampton, comfortably winning the reverse fixture 3-1 on Boxing Day.
However, the Saints are actually unbeaten in six visits east to Sussex, dating back to 2012, although that sequence is very likely to end at the Amex.
Brighton & Hove Albion team news
Given that Roberto De Zerbi’s team are in the middle of a period that’ll see them play five times in 15 days, he rotated his squad on Tyneside in mid-week and will continue to do so.
Having been rested, not even traveling to the North East, Levi Colwill will return at centre-back, displacing Jan Paul van Hecke, with Adam Webster still sidelined.
Alexis Mac Allister, Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson all came off the bench against Newcastle so could all start this time, in place of Facundo Buonanotte, goal-scorer Deniz Undav and Danny Welbeck.
Solly March, who scored a screamer in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, is out injured.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Steele; Caicedo, Dunk, Colwill, Estupiñán; Gilmour, Groß, Mac Allister, Enciso, Mitoma; Ferguson.
Southampton team news
How on earth does Rubén Sellés go about motivating a group of players that have just had relegation confirmed and are without a win in over two months?
In recent weeks, Alex McCarthy has been recalled in goal, but the previously dropped Gavin Bazunu could be back donning the gloves.
With Armel Bella-Kotchap injured, Jan Bednarek was partnered by Lyanco last weekend, although Duje Ćaleta-Car could return.
Paul Onuachu got the nod up front against Fulham, still seeking his first goal since making the €21 million move from Genk in January.
Predicted XI (4-2-2-2): Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Lyanco, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Lavia, Ward-Prowse, Alcaraz, Walcott, S Armstrong; Mara.
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