Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Amex Stadium on Saturday, October 26, 2024, for a crucial Premier League encounter. While Brighton are flying high after a string of positive results, Wolverhampton are languishing at the bottom of the table, still reeling from recent VAR controversies and desperate for points.
Match Significance
For Brighton, a win could propel them into the Champions League positions, even if temporarily, as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 15 points. Under manager Fabian Hurzeler, the Seagulls have been solid, particularly at home, where they are unbeaten in all competitions this season.
On the other hand, Gary O’Neil’s Wolves are embroiled in a relegation battle. They are yet to secure a victory in October and sit at the foot of the table. Having lost their last six matches in all competitions, the visitors are desperate to turn their fortunes around, though the trip to the Amex represents a tough challenge.
Team Analysis
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are enjoying a stellar season, with their latest triumph being a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United. Despite being on the back foot for large portions of the game, they took advantage of the few chances they created, with Danny Welbeck netting the winning goal. However, Welbeck’s injury dampened the victory, and he is expected to miss this clash.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have been defensively solid at home and have displayed resilience, most notably in their comeback from 2-0 down against Tottenham earlier this month. With 15 points from their last eight matches, Brighton are a team in form, and they have a good record against Wolves, having won 13 of the last 15 points available in this fixture.
Key players like Evan Ferguson and Kaoru Mitoma will be expected to step up in the absence of Welbeck, while youngsters like Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh remain doubts for this weekend.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have found themselves on the wrong end of results and VAR decisions in recent weeks. Their most recent defeat—a 2-1 loss to champions Manchester City—was marked by another controversial VAR call, which saw John Stones score a stoppage-time winner despite the presence of an offside Bernardo Silva.
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Offensively, Wolves have not been poor. Jorgen Strand Larsen has found the back of the net in several games, and Wolves have scored in each of their last nine matches in all competitions. However, their defensive frailties have been laid bare, with six straight defeats despite finding the net regularly. Wolves’ last win came against Aston Villa in early September, and they will be keen to avoid a seventh straight loss, which could see them tie a 64-year-old record held by Manchester City.
Wolves are missing key players such as Hwang Hee-chan and Sasa Kalajdzic, while goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is a doubt, although Jose Sa’s performances have been more than solid in his absence.
Head-to-Head History
Brighton and Wolves have already clashed this season, with Brighton coming out on top in a 3-2 thriller in the EFL Cup just a few weeks ago. In the Premier League, Brighton have dominated recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last five against Wolves and securing four wins in that time. Wolves last defeated Brighton in the top flight in May 2022.
Predictions & Betting Tips
Match Prediction
Given Brighton’s form and Wolves’ recent struggles, the Seagulls are strong favourites to secure all three points. Wolves’ inability to hold onto leads, coupled with Brighton’s ability to find goals when it matters, tips the scales in favour of the hosts.
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Betting Markets Predictions
- Both Teams to Score: No. Wolves have found the net regularly, but Brighton’s defensive form at home suggests they can keep a clean sheet.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals (Full Time): Under 2.5. Brighton’s recent games have been low-scoring affairs, with their solid defence likely to keep Wolves at bay while limiting the overall goal count.
- First Goal Scorer: Evan Ferguson. With Welbeck likely sidelined, Ferguson will be Brighton’s key attacking threat and could open the scoring early on.
- Hot Stat: Brighton are unbeaten at home this season under Hurzeler, with four wins and two draws across all competitions. Wolves, meanwhile, have lost their last six consecutive matches.
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Team News & Possible Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion:
Brighton will be without Danny Welbeck, but there is some good news, as his injury is not as severe as first feared. Nonetheless, he is unlikely to be risked, which opens the door for Evan Ferguson to start up front. Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh remain doubts, but Kaoru Mitoma is expected to play a key role in the attack.
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
- Defenders: Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Igor Julio, Ferdi Kadioglu
- Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, Mahmoud Dahoud
- Forwards: Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson, Facundo Buonanotte
Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Wolves will once again be without key players such as Hwang Hee-chan and Sasa Kalajdzic. Jose Sa is expected to continue in goal despite Sam Johnstone nearing full fitness. Offensively, Wolves will rely on Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen to try and break down a resolute Brighton defence.
Expected Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
- Defenders: Toti Gomes, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Craig Dawson
- Midfielders: Nelson Semedo, Joao Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Mario Lemina
- Forwards: Jorgen Strand Larsen, Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto
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