Brighton vs Portsmouth predictions, TV info & team news | EFL Cup preview
In a fascinating all-South Coast clash, Brighton welcome Portsmouth to the Amex for a League Cup second round meeting on Thursday night (7:45pm).
These two sides have not faced each other since the 2011/12 season, in which both clubs occupied a place in the Championship. In the ensuing eight years their road maps have been polar opposites, with Pompey dropping down to the third tier, and Brighton securing a place in the Premier League.
This isn’t quite the South Coast derby, that right is reserved for Portsmouth vs Southampton, but this remains a local rivalry of sorts nonetheless, and Brighton will be eyeing up a fourth successive win over the Fratton Park club.
Under Graham Potter the Seagulls have looked a more entertaining side, but the English coach will be hoping for a tangible reward against Portsmouth later this week, with a place in the next round firmly in his sights.
In the opposing dugout Kenny Jackett will make this a very uncomfortable evening for the Premier League club. The former Wolves and Millwall manager has the experience and tactical know-how to potentially pull off a big upset here.
Where to watch Brighton vs Portsmouth on TV:
- UK: Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports Main Event
- US: ESPN+
Brighton & Portsmouth‘s previous line-ups:
- Brighton (vs Chelsea): Ryan; Lamptey, White, Dunk, Webster, March; Bissouma, Alzate, Lallan; Trossard, Maupay.
- Portsmouth (vs Shrewsbury): MacGillivray; Johnson, Whatmough, Raggett, Brown; Naylor, Morris, Evans, Harness, Curtis; Marquis.
Jose Izquierdo and backup goalkeeper Christian Walton remain sidelined indefinitely for Brighton, but Potter may be tempted to hand Davy Propper a start as the Dutchman gets back up to full fitness. Adam Lallana picked up a knock against Chelsea and will likely be unavailable for this match.
Players to watch:
- Brighton: The Seagulls have a very versatile and quite cosmopolitan squad, with Potter able to turn to a number of exciting outlets should his side hit a dry patch. One player Brighton fans will be hoping to see more of this season is Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentina international with Irish and Scottish roots. Signed from Argentinos Juniors in January last year, the No. 10 enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Boca Juniors and returned to the Amex to make his debut against Wolves in March. With nine appearances under his belt, he will be hoping for a breakthrough season and he could get up and running against Portsmouth.
- Portsmouth: Having worked with John Marquis at Millwall, Jackett has a lot of faith and trust in the Lewishman-born marksman and he may very well turn to the 28-year-old to lead his line against Brighton. With just eight league goals last season, Marquis was unable to replicate his Doncaster form, but as Pompey eye another promotion push this season and South Coast bragging rights, the No. 9 could have the final say in this contest.
Scoreline prediction: Brighton 2-1 Portsmouth
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