Brighton & Hove Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League action on the south coast has never been so prevalent in recent years, with Southampton and Portsmouth now replaced by Bournemouth and Brighton.
Both are thriving against the odds, too, and continue to draw admiration from fans and pundits up and down the country, including this SBOTOP observer.
That Brighton have managed to thrive, despite selling numerous players and staff to bigger vultures in recent years, is even more remarkable.
But can they deliver Premier League 2025 highlights against opponents who are resurgent following their first trophy in 17 years and the arrival of an impressive new manager?
Talking Points
Despite their constant change of personnel, Brighton remain a match for most teams, but they had a miserable afternoon last Saturday.
As if a 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth wasn’t disappointing enough, they suffered two early injuries as Jack Hinshelwood hobbled off before Maxim De Cuyper had to be replaced by Ferdi Kadioglu after being shoved into the advertising hoardings.
Although there were some bright shoots, it was widely accepted that the Seagulls were not fluid enough, lacked sharpness, and were not as lively as their south coast neighbours.
Spurs had no such trouble as they dispatched West Ham with ease – a result that showed how new manager Thomas Frank has plenty of options at his disposal. The Dane utilised his squad by resting Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison in that game, starting new signing Xavi Simons on the left, and deployed Mathys Tel up front, despite leaving the Frenchman out of his Champions League squad.
It was into Europe they ventured in midweek with Spurs at home to Villarreal.
That contest was settled by an early own goal as they kept a fourth clean sheet in five games so far this term under Frank.
In contrast, they had kept just one at the same stage of last season when the more attack-minded Ange Postecoglou was in charge.
In the Premier League, they have kept three clean sheets already – meaning they are just two away from equalling their total for the whole of last season.
On saying all of that, it was the Aussie’s pragmatism which helped them lift the Europa League in Spain in May.
Brighton’s job on Saturday is to see if they can reproduce the display that saw them defeat Manchester City a few short weeks ago in their last home outing.
History
This contest last season was one of the comebacks of the season as the Seagulls overturned a 2-0 half-time deficit to record a 3-2 success to the delight of the home faithful.
After first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, the Seagulls turned the contest on its head with three goals in 18 minutes from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, and ex-Arsenal man Danny Welbeck.
Brighton also fought back from a goal behind to thrash Spurs on the final day of the season in North London on a day when the hosts were celebrating their Europa League triumph.
That was when a Dominic Solanke penalty gave them a half-time advantage, which was blitzed by a quick Hinshelwood double before two late goals from Matt O’Riley (penalty) and Diego Gómez.
Until the end of 2017, these sides had not met in the top-flight for 34 years.
Their very first meeting was a 2-2 draw in 1903 in the former Southern League at White Hart Lane – James Chalmers and Vivian Woodward were the home marksmen.
Overall, Spurs have 21 victories, Brighton 12, and there have been eight draws.
Betting Tip
I am plumping for honours even in this one, and my *** tip is 1X2 Draw @ 3.38. A repeat of the corresponding fixture 11 months ago is on offer @ 21.00 with Correct Score 3-2.
Brighton can be backed 1X2 @ 2.25 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.25, while Spurs are priced 1X2 @ 2.77 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.29.
These Premier League 2025 betting odds surprised me, given Spurs have made a fine start to the new campaign – Frank has become only the third Tottenham manager to win his first two away top-flight matches in charge of the club. along with Ossie Ardiles (1993-94) and Tim Sherwood (2013-14) – although, as they have been in Champions League action in midweek, Brighton could be slightly fresher.
There has only ever been one goalless draw between the sides (in 1977), and that perhaps explains the odds of Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.07 compared to 2-3 @ 2.08, 4-6 @ 2.70, and Over 3.25 @ 2.28.
Two very attractive bets which have caught my eye are Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 6.40 and Draw Away @ 7.10.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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