Brighton Vs Southampton Preview: South Coast Rivals Clash At The Amex

Friday, 22 April 2022 17:01

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Brighton and Hove Albion return to the Amex this Sunday after three successive away trips yielded a welcome six points.

They will face south-coast rivals Southampton at 2pm, having secured their safety with victories on the road against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, before a 3-0 mid-week reverse at the hands of title-chasing Man City brought them back down to earth.

With just one point fewer than the Seagulls' 40, Southampton were easily brushed aside 2-0 by relegation battling Burnley on Thursday, although both teams are now well clear of being sucked into a late season dogfight.

Unfortunately for Albion, their home form this season is among the worst in the Premier League and the primary reason for their recent tumble down the table.

Bottom of home table (Soccer Stats)

Southampton have been poor on the road, leaking more than two goals per game away from St Mary's.

Away table (Soccer Stats)

Form guide

Brighton's long-suffering fans will have been relieved to see a run of just one point from seven matches turned around with the back-to-back North London successes.

However, they remain near the foot of the form table.

Form table (Soccer Stats)

The Saints have been even worse, with their defence leaking 13 goals in the past six games, and only four points acquired.

Form table (Soccer Stats)

Brighton Premier League form:

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Southampton Premier League form:

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Historically the sides have met on 76 occasions, with Southampton winning 36 times, Brighton 21 and 19 draws.

Injury news

Brighton will be boosted by the return of Leandro Trossard following illness, while Steven Alzate should also be available.

Jakub Moder and Shane Duffy remain out and key midfielder Yves Bissouma is suspended.

For Southampton, Alex McCarthy remains sidelined with a thigh problem, but the visitors are otherwise at full-strength.

Possible line-ups

Brighton (3-5-2):

Southampton (3-5-2):

Prediction: Brighton 1 -1 Southampton

A combination of both sides being in the comfort zone, Brighton's horrendous home displays and Southampton's useless away record should ensure this isn't a game to live long in the memory.