Brighton & Hove Albion will shift their focus back to Premier League action as they welcome Fulham to the Amex Stadium on Sunday.
Match Preview:
The Seagulls are riding high after securing their first-ever Europa League victory against Ajax, while Fulham suffered a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their last league outing.
Brighton’s European campaign has seen them narrowly miss out on victories in their first two matches against AEK Athens and Marseille.
However, they finally broke the streak by defeating crisis-ridden Ajax 2-0.
This win came as a relief after a five-game win less run in the league.
Brighton faced a tough set of fixtures against Chelsea, Ajax, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Marseille, which has affected their league form.
They currently sit in seventh place, four points away from the Champions League spots.
Fulham, on the other hand, faced a daunting task against Tottenham Hotspur and failed to make an impact, losing 2-0.
They have been inconsistent throughout the season, failing to register consecutive wins, draws, or defeats.
Fulham’s last away win came against Everton in gameweek one, and they have since struggled to secure maximum points on the road.
However, they have a good record against Brighton in the Premier League, remaining unbeaten since the Seagulls’ promotion in 2017.
Team News:
Brighton emerged from their Europa League victory over Ajax without any fresh injury concerns.
However, Solly March and Danny Welbeck sustained knee and muscular injuries respectively in their previous league match against Manchester City. Both players are expected to be sidelined for a significant period.
Jakub Moder and Julio Enciso are also nursing knee injuries, while Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are nearing a return but won’t be available for Sunday’s game.
Fulham continues to deal with the absence of Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop due to groin and foot injuries respectively.
Kenny Tete and Adama Traore are also unavailable due to groin and muscle issues.
Manager Marco Silva has several options for rotation in midfield and attack, with Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson, and Raul Jimenez offering different qualities.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Steele;
Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor;
Baleba, Gross; Mitoma, Lallana, Fati;
Ferguson
Fulham:
Leno;
Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson;
Palhinha, Reed;
Iwobi, Pereira, Willian;
Jimenez
Prediction:
Despite Fulham’s unbeaten record against Brighton in recent Premier League encounters, the Seagulls’ strong form at home and Fulham’s struggles to find the back of the net suggest that Brighton will come out on top.
The absence of key players for both teams could impact the game, but Brighton’s attacking prowess is likely to secure them the win.
- We predict a 2-0 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion.