Brighton and Hove Albion host the Premier League’s bottom club Southampton on Friday night, with the Seagulls having a mighty motivation for victory knowing three points will put them second in the table ahead of the weekend.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have been largely excellent this term and have clocked up four wins in their last six in the top flight, moving them to fifth in the congested upper echelons of the table, just a point behind Manchester City in second. With none of the teams above them in action until at least Saturday evening, there’s a real chance for them to display just how far they’ve come.
Standing in their way will be Saints, who themselves badly need a result to stay in touch with the teams above the relegation zone. Russell Martin’s side are five points adrift already after just one win from 12 this term, though they’ll take heart from being ahead against Liverpool last time out before succumbing to a 3-2 reversal.
Saints are yet to pick up a single point on the road this term though and have only scored three - while Brighton are unbeaten at home and beat Man City in their last match at the AmEx.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.
When is the match?
Brighton vs Southampton kicks off at 8pm GMT on Friday 29 November.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event. Subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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What is the team news?
Carlos Baleba is out suspended following his weekend red card, while Solly March and James Milner are injured. There are also doubts over Ferdi Kadioglu, Tariq Lamptey, Jack Hinshelwood and Lewis Dunk - but Brighton have such a deep squad these days that Hurzeler has no real issues finding cover for any of them other than perhaps Baleba.
Southampton’s injury list is lengthy too, with Adam Lallana, Aaron Ramsdale and Jan Bednarek added to the treatment table, which Gavin Bazunu and Will Smallbone were already on. Paul Onuachu is a doubt after leaving the pitch injured during the second half against Liverpool. If he’s fit, he’ll surely start given he performed admirably in that match.
Predicted lineups
BHA - Verbruggen, Veltman, Van Hecke, Julio, Estupinan, Ayari, Wieffer, Rutter, Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck
SOU - McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning, Aribo, Downes, Fernandes, Dibling, Armstrong, Onuachu
Odds
Brighton 4/9
Draw 41/10
Saints 13/2
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Prediction
No enjoyable trip to a south coast rival for Saints. Brighton 3-0 Southampton.
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