Tottenham are seeking to avenge their defeat at the AMEX Stadium when they host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The injury-riddled Seagulls overcame a weary Spurs on the south coast just after Christmas, racing into a 4-0 lead before the visitors scored two consolations late on.
Ange Postecoglou’s squad has been strengthened by winter arrivals and returning stars from injury, but they haven’t been able to sustain a run in 2024 thus far. They were deservedly pegged back by Everton last time out, dropping two points following Jarrad Branthwaite’s late equaliser.
Still, they’re in a pretty good position in the Premier League table. Spurs are fifth, just two points behind fourth-place Aston Villa and nine ahead of Saturday’s opponents. Brighton scored a much-needed victory at the weekend, thumping their hapless rivals Crystal Palace 4-1 on home soil.
Their first win of 2024 has reignited some optimism on the south coast, with Roberto De Zerbi enduring some issues during his first full season at the helm.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Saturday’s Premier League bout.
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The hosts received a double boost in the week as Son Heung-min’s South Korea and Yves Bissouma’s Mali exited the AFC Asian Cup and AFCON respectively. Both should be included in Saturday’s matchday squad.
Tottenham’s injury issues have cleared in recent weeks, with Ryan Sessegnon, Alfie Whiteman and Manor Solomon among those sidelined. Giovani Lo Celso will be eying a return to the squad having nursed a hamstring injury.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Werner.
Simon Adingra remains out of action for the Seagulls following Ivory Coast’s progression into the semi-finals of AFCON.
Kaoru Mitoma has returned to Brighton, but the winger is continuing to nurse an ankle injury which could keep him out of action this weekend. Solly March is also a doubt, while Julio Enciso is edging closer to making his return from a long-term knee injury.
Joel Veltman will also miss out with a knee issue.
Brighton predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Dunk, Igor, Estpuinan; Gilmour, Gross; Buonanotte, Pedro, Fati; Welbeck.
A bit of chaos is never too far away when Ange’s Lilywhites take to the field and this should be another goal-fest. Tottenham were bullied by Everton at times last weekend, with Brighton posing completely different challenges to the Toffees.
The visitors’ build-up is slick but predictable and the hosts will aim to take advantage of De Zerbi’s circuits by pressing aggresively upfield. They will, however, cede space in behind which Brighton could make the most of.
Both sides should enjoy plenty of joy in the attacking third, with Son’s return swinging the contest in Tottenham’s favour.
