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Brighton to pick up second win of the season

Brighton to pick up second win of the season

Brighton host Fulham on Saturday as the two Premier League teams attempt to push themselves away from the relegation pack. Chris Hughton’s Brighton are coming off of a 1-0 loss to Liverpool.

The Seagulls showed plenty of quality in the fixture against the Reds and nearly took a point. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker prevented Brighton from gaining that important point with a fine save late in the game. Fulham started the season slowly, but finally got off the mark with a win in week 3 of the Premier League season. Fulham’s games have seen goals galore as they have scored five strikes while conceding seven.

Between 2014 and 2017, Brighton and Fulham met five times in the EFL Championship. Brighton won all five meetings and outscored Fulham 13-3. However, things are much different now. Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has turned the Cottagers into a formidable attacking side. Although Fulham has struggled defensively, they should prove to be safe this season thanks to their goal scoring.

Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has already tallied three goals this season, while fellow striker Luciano Vietto has registered two assists. Fulham have plenty of talent. In fact, they have far more than either of the other two promoted sides this term. It may take time for the new players to gel, however. In addition, Jokanovic has an attacking philosophy, therefore, Fulham could easily lose by a large scoreline just as they could win by a large number.

Brighton’s only win of the Premier League season came against Manchester United at home. It was a shock win 3-2 win that the Seagulls deserved. Unfortunately, Brighton followed it up with a second loss. Liverpool were able to take the spoils, 1-0. Brighton have been held scoreless in two away fixtures to Watford and Liverpool. Yet, home at the Fulmer Stadium has seen the club show far more attacking resilience.

Fulham’s defence has plenty of problems it still needs to work out. Fulham have conceded two or more goals in each game this season. Brighton have tallied two or more goals against the Cottagers in each of their last five matches. However, all five of those came in the EFL Championship.

According to reports, Brighton will be without Lewis Dunk due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, the team will make decisions on Jose Izquierdo, Bruno Saltor, and Florin  Andone ahead of the match. Fulham should have defender Tim Ream back from injury along with Floyd Ayite. However, central midfielder Tom Cairney may not be fit enough to feature.

Due to Brighton’s great form against Fulham and improved play at home, the Seagulls will take all three points against their rivals on Saturday. Expect goals to be scored as Brighton win.

Premier League
OVERALL TABLE PTS GP W D L +/-
1
Manchester City 73 32 22 7 3 44
2
Arsenal 71 32 22 5 5 49
3
Liverpool 71 32 21 8 3 41
4
Aston Villa 63 33 19 6 8 19
5
Tottenham 60 32 18 6 8 16
6
Newcastle United 50 32 15 5 12 17
7
Manchester United 50 32 15 5 12 -1
8
West Ham 48 33 13 9 11 -6
9
Chelsea 47 31 13 8 10 9
10
Brighton 44 32 11 11 10 2
11
Wolverhampton 43 32 12 7 13 -5
12
Fulham 42 33 12 6 15 -2
13
Bournemouth 42 32 11 9 12 -10
14
Crystal Palace 33 32 8 9 15 -17
15
Brentford 32 33 8 8 17 -11
16
Everton 27 32 9 8 15 -16
17
Nottingham Forest 26 33 7 9 17 -16
18
Luton Town 25 33 6 7 20 -24
19
Burnley 20 33 4 8 21 -35
20
Sheffield United 16 32 3 7 22 -54

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