Brighton & Hove Albion, winless in three Premier League games, will look to bring balance to their domestic season when they take on Fulham.
Roberto De Zerbi would have heaved a sigh of relief after watching his team manage to win a football match in midweek. With their victory over Ajax at the Amex, Brighton opened their account in the Europa League after going winless in their opening two games ahead of their clash with Fulham.
In the Premier League, they have endured a more difficult period, as De Zerbi will look to end a three-game winless run that included a 6-1 mauling at the hands of Aston Villa. Last weekend, the Brighton boss will rue his team’s efficiency against Manchester City as they went very close to snatching a draw.
"We know we are doing something historic for the club and city. We are writing new history, it is magic for us." 💙🤩
Roberto was asked about the voice note he sent before our win against Ajax… 👀 pic.twitter.com/yThQXyMLMj
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 27, 2023
After a good start to the season that put Brighton on the pace to make a challenge for a top-four place, they have dropped down in the standings. Another bad result could see others threaten to overtake them on the table, something De Zerbi would want to avoid.
Marco Silva, on the other hand, will want his team to respond in this game after a disappointing result against Tottenham last Monday. The Premier League leaders proved their clinical worth and put the Cottagers to the sword while holding a firm defence, never to let their attackers have a sniff at the goal.
Three wins in their last six games across all competitions show how consistently inconsistent Fulham’s form has been. They have managed only two wins in the Premier League since their 2-2 draw away at Arsenal, with no signs yet to show they are ready to mount a significant challenge to achieve something this season.
The unseen danger comes from their position on the table, as they are only four points away from the relegation zone. Further losses in the league and positive results of other teams at the bottom could pull Fulham near the danger zone, which is something Silva would want to avoid.
Team News & Tactics
Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi has done major tinkering with his selections since the season began, and now it is time to recognise those players in good form and who can continue on the side. There are no fresh injury concerns for the Italian manager.
Happy Saturday, Albion fans! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/eNNorlpui9
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 28, 2023
On a positive note, there is a chance for Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan to return to the first team. But De Zerbi is unlikely to take a risk so soon. There is no news on the return of other injured stars. However, sticking with the subject of consistent selections, the manager must recognise players like Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati ahead of the Fulham game.
While De Zerbi would likely start Pedro in the attack, he might stick to Fati being a bench option. Carlos Baleba could return to central midfield and partner alongside Pascal Gross, who, if selected, will make his 200th appearance for the Seagulls.
The backline will also remain the same, with Joel Veltman likely to keep his spot at left-back until the other regulars return from their injuries. Evan Ferguson could lead the line for Brighton, with Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma handling the wide attacking areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Steele; Milner, Van Hecke, Dunk, Veltman; Gross, Baleba; Adingra, Pedro, Mitoma; Ferguson
Fulham
Marco Silva still has key defensive players missing from action, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Issa Diop, and Kenny Tete still out with injuries. Adama Traore also remains out for this game. Calvin Bassey should continue in central defence alongside the experienced Tim Ream.
More to come. 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZsTGcwd4LG
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 25, 2023
Silva could also make a change in central midfield, with Harrison Reed likely to come in place of Sasa Lukic and join Joao Palhinha there. Similarly, in the attacking third, Harry Wilson could replace Bobby De Cordova-Reed, and the rest should remain the same.
At the back, Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson should keep their places in the full-back positions. Similarly, Willian and Andreas Pereira will also feature in the attacking third in the left wing and attacking midfield roles, respectively.
Carlos Vinicius should have no qualms about leading the line as he remains ahead of Raul Jimenez. With Traore injured, Silva’s options from the bench are rather limited and have not been effective during recent outings.
Propbable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Wilson, Pereira, Willian; Vinicius
Key Stats
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Brighton’s last 10 games in the Premier League.
- Brighton have conceded at least two goals in their last three matches in the Premier League.
- Brighton & Hove Albion are winless in their last three Premier League games.
- Fulham are undefeated in their last seven matches against Brighton in all competitions.
- Fulham secured a 1-0 win in this fixture back in February.
Player to Watch
Joao Pedro
Tonight’s match winners in Europe! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/jEdpFIVmtE
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 26, 2023
Three goals in his last four games in the UEFA Europa League games have helped Pedro keep up his levels in that competition. But he must improve his form in the Premier League. With Brighton struggling for relevance after going winless in their last three games here, they need big performances from their players, especially the Brazilian.
There is a feeling that after the win over Ajax, Roberto De Zerbi will retain his faith in Pedro and let him start against Fulham. But it should be the game where the Brazilian must shine. There is a dire need to stitch the attacking setup together, which has looked wayward in the last few games, in which the forward will have to play a big part.
Prediction
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Fulham
Fulham have somewhat struggled away from home, and that trend may continue when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Cottagers might continue to keep losing games as there is a real danger of them dropping very close to the relegation battle.
Brighton, fresh from their Europa League triumph at the Amex, will look for continuation, and only a victory would please Roberto De Zerbi. The Seagulls have come under pressure to start contesting for a top-four place, and this game against Fulham should mark the start of this journey.
