Prediction: Tottenham vs Brighton

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 33/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Two teams facing different realities will collide this Wednesday at Wembley Stadium, when Tottenham Hotspur host Brighton and Hove Albion in a mid-week fixture of the English Premier League. This game will start at 20:00 BST, and Robert Madley will be the referee.

Tottenham

The Spurs have been a bit inconsistent during the current season, but they should come into this game with a high spirit following their impressive 5-1 win over Stoke City this past Saturday. The win allowed the Spurs to break a three-game winless run at the domestic level, although they only register one defeat in their past four Premier League matches. Overall, they sit in the seventh position with 28 points and while that has been a noticeable drop compared to last season, they are certainly trending in the right direction. Their home form is something they could easily improve, however, as they have a 4W 3D 1L mark playing at Wembley. That’s not going to cut it, especially when some of the best teams in the league tend to dominate the competition at their respective home venue. The Spurs must improve at home if they want to keep their Top Four aspirations alive.

Team News

The Spurs will have a few absentees for this game, which could lead to the search of new alternatives for manager Mauricio Pochettino.

For instance, Davinson Sanchez will not play since he is currently suspended. Victor Wanyama (knee) and Tony Alderweireld (thigh) are also out due to injury.

Brighton

Tottenham might be a bit inconsistent, but Brighton have been downright bad in this one. They sit in 13rd place of the Premier League standings with 17 points in 16 games, but their overall record is nothing to brag about. The Seagulls have just four wins this season, adding five draws and seven losses to their tally. Their woes intensify when they play on the road, though, as Brighton have two wins, one draws and five defeats on the road. They have failed to score in five of those eight road matches, and are currently riding a five-game winless run at the Premier League with two draws and three defeats over that span. While it’s true two of their last four games came against Manchester United and Liverpool, it is also true that they have struggled pretty much all season long, and have been unable to streak a run of positive results together. That being said, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see them as massive underdogs in this one.

Team News

Brighton won’t have Steve Sidwell ahead of this game, as the central midfielder has been ruled out due to a back injury.

Gaetan Bong is doubtful due to a knee problem that has kept him out in two of Brighton’s last three outings. He will need to pass a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

Key Factors to Consider

• Tottenham have been relatively decent at home. They register a 4W 3D 1L mark playing at Wembley Stadium during the current Premier League campaign.
• On the other hand, Brighton have been struggling badly of late. They are riding a five-game winless run with two draws and three defeats.
• The Spurs have looked quite balanced this season. Both their attack and their defence rank in the Top 6 of the Premier League thus far.
• Brighton have not had good results on the road. They have two wins, one draw, and five defeats playing away from Falmer Stadium.
• Tottenham have a clear edge when it comes to recent results against Brighton. The Spurs have won the last three times these two sides have met.

Conclusion

Tottenham have not lived up to their pre-season expectations so far. However, the huge win over Stoke will certainly be a morale booster for Pochettino’s men.

Even if that wasn’t the case, there is no question Tottenham have the better team and Brighton struggle on the road. Expect the Spurs to come away with the three points rather easily. And I can definitively see over 3,5 goals in this one.

Verdict: Over 3,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 33/20

Bookmaker: 888sport