Prediction: Tottenham vs Brighton

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second half

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could be an action-packed affair on Saturday afternoon, Tottenham will welcome Brighton to north London.

Tottenham

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Everton as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw last weekend, Tottenham will be desperate to claim an immediate response here. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity at Goodison Park, Spurs will certainly be excited to make a return to north London on Saturday afternoon. Gaining a string of plaudits under Ange Postecoglou and with their sights firmly set on securing a Champions League return in 2024, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad suffer just a pair of defeats from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat two points adrift of the top-four, Spurs will be hoping to extend on their recent success on home soil. Winning five of their previous six showdowns in north London, Spurs will be more than aware they face what could be a crucial battle here.

Team News

Still away with South Korea at this month’s Asia Cup, Tottenham will once again be unable to call upon attacking talisman Heung-Min Son this weekend. However, returning from the AFCON after featuring for Mali, Yves Bissouma could make a timely return here.

Bagging a brace at Goodison Park last weekend and now notching nine goals in his previous 10 appearances across all competitions, Brazilian international Richarlison will have a leading role to play on Saturday afternoon.

Brighton

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways last weekend, it is no secret that Brighton are seeking some welcomed stability. Eventually storming their way to a 4-1 romp against historic rivals Crystal Palace, Roberto De Zerbi’s men are now hoping to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since the start of September. However, punching a famous Europa League knockout stage ticket back in December and with their sights set on mounting another top-six charge, the Seagulls will also be excited by their most recent showdown against Saturday’s hosts. Claiming an action-packed 4-2 victory when they welcomed Tottenham to the Amex over the festive period, De Zerbi will be calling on a repeat performance this weekend. However, last seen on their travels getting hit with an infamous 4-0 drumming against Luton, the Seagulls have won just a pair of their previous seven trips away from the south coast.

Team News

In what could prove to be a huge boost for Brighton this weekend, Japan international Kaoru Mitoma could make a first domestic appearance since December 21st this weekend. However, still away with the Ivory Coast at this month’s AFCON, De Zerbi will be unable to call upon 21-year-old attacker Simon Adingra here.

Continuing to shine this season and notching eight Premier League strikes, former Watford star Joao Pedro will lead Brighton’s attack on Saturday lunchtime. Evan Ferguson could be replaced by Danny Welbeck in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Tottenham and Brighton met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 28th, the Seagulls picked up a 4-2 victory at the Amex.
• However, Spurs have won eight of their previous nine meetings against Brighton in north London.
• Tottenham have won six of their last seven domestic appearances on home soil.
• Brighton have won just a pair of their last seven away fixtures across all competitions.
• Brazil international Richarlison has bagged nine goals in his previous 10 appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

With Brighton landing a thrilling 4-2 victory when they welcomed Spurs to the Amex back on December 28th, neutrals will be hoping for a similar affair here. While Tottenham might have continued to shine with their performances in north London, Saturday’s hosts have shown some extended defensive issues. Mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their last eight appearances, chances could come thick and fast here. Two sides who have a reputation for their lively outcomes, we are expecting an enjoyable affair from the capital.

Verdict: Both teams to score in the second half

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster