Brighton v Southampton preview, predictions & possible XIs
The Amex Stadium plays host to Brighton vs Southampton on Saturday.
Brighton were given a mild reality check by their 1-1 draw against West Ham last weekend, a less impressive result and performance than their opening day 3-0 victory at Watford.
Southampton suffered a second-straight defeat, going down 2-1 to Liverpool at St Mary’s a week after a heavy 3-0 loss away to Burnley.
All of which makes for an intriguing contest between the sides this week – but who will come out on top?
Read on for our predictions, key players, TV info and team news.
When is Brighton v Southampton and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: The Amex Stadium
Date: Saturday 24 August
Kick-off: 3pm BST
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Brighton v Southampton
30 March 2019: Brighton 0-1 Southampton
17 September 2018: Southampton 2-2 Brighton
28 August 2018: Brighton 0-1 Southampton (League Cup)
31 January 2018: Southampton 1-1 Brighton
29 October 2017: Brighton 1-1 Southampton
Aggregate score: Brighton (LDLDD) 4-6 Southampton (WDWDD)
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Ones to watch
Brighton: Pascal Gross
Aaron Mooy’s arrival on loan from Huddersfield has put extra pressure on Gross to perform creatively, and so far this season he is thriving on it. The German remains Brighton’s creator-in-chief and his productivity will be crucial against a Southampton side desperate to stem the flow of goals they are conceding.
Key stat: Gross has created five chances so far this season, at least three more than any other Brighton player.
Southampton: Jan Bednarek
With Gross constantly probing for Brighton, Southampton’s defence will have to be alert. What’s more, they will be motivated to keep their goals against down after conceding five in their opening two matches, including three at Burnley. Centre-back Bednarek has been hard at work clearing the ball from the Saints’ box, but more is needed from the Pole if Southampton are to keep a clean sheet.
Key stat: Only two players have made more clearances than Bednarek in the Premier League so far this season (13).
Team news
Brighton
Jose Izquierdo, Yves Bissouma and Ezequiel Schelotto remain sidelined for Brighton but Graham Potter has no fresh injury concerns.
Predicted XI: Ryan; Duffy, Dunk, Burn; Montoya, Stephens, Propper, March; Gross, Murray, Trossard.
Southampton
Ralph Hassenhuttl has a fully fit squad to pick from after goalkeeper Alex McCarthy returned to training. The Saints have no other injuries.
Predicted XI: Gunn; Bednarek, Yoshida, Vestergaard; Valery, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Bertrand; Redmond, Adams.
Squawka prediction
Brighton’s lack of clinical edge against against West Ham combined with Southampton’s determination to improve defensively could result in a difficult day in front of goal for the Seagulls. They may have to settle for another low-scoring draw.
Brighton 1-1 Southampton
