The Premier League is back on Saturday following
the international break and thoughts will be turning to the battle at the top
and bottom of the league table.
Looking towards the foot
of the Premier League and we have an intriguing clash between Brighton and Hove
Albion and Southampton to enjoy.
Brighton start this game
in 15th place in the table with 33 points to their name. They do have at least one game in hand on
every team below them, which could prove useful but they cannot afford to rely
on that to move them clear.
The Seagulls have been
in good form of late, winning four of their last five matches in all
competitions, including the penalty shootout win over Millwall in the FA Cup
prior to the international break.
However, two of those
four wins have come in the FA Cup and trends show Brighton have
won two of their last nine Premier League games. The
victories have come in their last two matches, which suggests they could be
about to turn a corner but they have won only two of their last seven on home soil.
Trends show both teams
have scored in six of Brighton’s last seven home games in all competitions and
five of their last six have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Southampton make the
short trip across to the American Express Community Stadium having enjoyed an
excellent 2-1 win at home over Tottenham Hotspur last time out.That result means they have won two of their
last three Premier League games, with the second win coming at home against
Fulham
Sandwiched between those wins Southampton travelled to Old Trafford
and put in a good performance before succumbing 3-2 to Manchester United.
However, overall
away form is not good in the Premier League and despite remaining undefeated in
four of their last six away matches, trends show Southampton have won only five
of their last thirty-two away Premier League games.
Scoring goals
has not been much of a problem recently but keeping them out has been an issue
and both teams have scored in sixteen of their last twenty Premier League
matches.
Looking ahead to
the team news and Brighton hope to have midfielder Pascal Gross and striker
Florin Andone back for this game. Brighton should be close to full
strength.
Southampton have
doubts over the fitness of Mario Lemina and striker Danny Ings who have both
been struggling for the past few weeks. However, young striker Michael
Obafemi is expected to miss the rest of the season with injury.
This is a game which could see both teams find the back of the net but with home advantage so soon after the international break, Brighton have the edge and could take maximum points.
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