Brighton vs Southampton – Analysis, Prediction, Team News

Brighton vs Southampton Preview

Brighton come into this match on the back of a hugely disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Newcastle United in which they were the architects of their own downfall. Not only did they fail to deal with Newcastle’s threat from set pieces, they were ripped apart in transition for the decisive third and fourth goals in what was effectively a repeat of the Everton match.

If this seems unduly harsh on a team that doesn’t have the resources of the Premier League’s big boys, it’s worth bearing in mind that this is the business end of the Premier League and Brighton haven’t dealt with transitions particularly well all season. This is effectively the price of admission so to speak for the often breathtaking football on offer under Roberto De Zerbi, and over the longer term an issue they’re required to resolve to continue their progression.

Fortunately for Brighton, they have two games in hand over Aston Villa, Spurs and Brentford and therefore are likely to qualify for the Europa League next season. This represents a monumental achievement for the south coast side, and thus any criticism of their recent defensive displays should be put into proper context.

Southampton are dead and buried, and played like it against Fulham last time out. They reverted to a less expansive approach as a result of their poor form and vulnerability to teams in transition, but crucially they failed to generate any real attacking threat of their own and as a result it was a very comfortable afternoon for the visitors.

Marooned at the foot of the Premier League table, they’re now unable to catch any of the teams above them as a result of their inferior goal difference (-35 compared with -18 for Leicester who are six points ahead of them with two matches remaining). This season has been bitterly disappointing for Southampton who are left to reflect upon the quality of their recruitment.