Unexpected top-of-the-table clash at AMEX Stadium
The week’s catch-up game in the English Premier League resulted in a change at the top. This weekend, the 24th matchday is on the agenda and it brings a top match on Saturday afternoon, which probably nobody had on the screen. Brighton and Fulham face each other at the AMEX Stadium.
The teams are moving in spheres that are completely unexpected. Brighton are sixth in the table, while the Cottagers from the capital are seventh. The dream of qualifying for an international competition is absolutely realistic. A win in the direct comparison would therefore be of great importance. Neither team lacks self-confidence, the favourites role in favour of the home side is understandable, but the forecast for Brighton against Fulham does not offer any value. The promoted team is by no means to be underestimated.
In terms of the table, this unassuming clash is actually the top game this weekend, as no other match pits two teams from the top seven against each other.
Brighton – Statistics & current form
Even after the departure of Graham Potter, things are going like clockwork for the Seagulls. Under successor Roberto de Zerbi, the club can still dream of qualifying for Europe. As the current sixth-placed team in the table, they are even four places ahead of Chelsea. In several categories, the club has set an internal Premier League record this season. 35 points are six points more than in the previous season, and 39 goals are already the third-best tally of all time in the English top flight. In 2020/21, a total of 40 goals were scored, in 2021/22 there were 41 goals – Brighton will pulverise this mark this season.
This is due in particular to their much more attacking approach. On average, the Seagulls take 14.1 shots per game and convert 13.2 per cent of them. Brighton have never had a better record in PL history in these two stats either.
Still without defeat in 2023
The 2022 calendar year ended in defeat, but the 4-2 loss to Arsenal on 31 December was also their last defeat. In seven competitive matches (five in the league and two appearances in the FA Cup), the de Zerbi team was never defeated. The last time Brigthon went five league games without defeat was at the start of the 2012/13 season, when they were still in the Championship.
In the duel between Brighton and Fulham, odds of around 1.70 are offered for a home win. This clear favourite in favour of the hosts against a team level on points is mainly due to their strong form as well as their recent home performances. Brighton won their last two league games, beating Liverpool 3-0, among others.
Solly March, who has scored five times in the last seven PL games, has been one of the guarantors of the recent surge in form. Mind you, this is a player who is not known for his scoring prowess, as he previously needed 156 appearances to score four goals. Following Trossard’s departure to the Gunners (Brighton’s top scorer with seven goals), the 28-year-old March has really blossomed of late.
Last Brighton games:
Premier League
11/02/2023 – Crystal Palace 1 – 1 Brighton
04/02/2023 – Brighton 1 – 0 Bournemouth
FA Cup
29/01/2023 – Brighton 2 – 1 Liverpool FC
Premier League
21/01/2023 – Leicester 2 – 2 Brighton
14/01/2023 – Brighton 3 – 0 Liverpool FC
Fulham – Statistics & current form
In recent years, Fulham advanced to become a lift team. Promotion – relegation – promotion – relegation – promotion, but this time the capital eleven will not have to make the direct walk back to the Championship. A statement that can already be made after 23 matchdays. Fulham already have seven more points on the credit side than in the entire 2020/21 season. In addition, Mitrovic & Co have already scored seven more goals. 17 points ahead of the first relegation place should definitely be enough.
Strong defence around Bernd Leno
Fulham’s ten wins this season are currently only surpassed by Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham. Ten wins equals the best tally since the 2012/13 season, when there were eleven wins in the entire season. A mark that can already be set this weekend. For this, odds of over 5.00 are offered on the visitors between Brighton and Fulham.
In contrast to Brighton, Fulham have already suffered two defeats this calendar year, but their own form is still a reason for a broad chest. Especially the defence has become a great strength. Bernd Leno can prove his class and has conceded just three goals in the last seven league games. Since the re-start, the Cottagers have not conceded more than one goal in any league match.
Another strength of theirs is the ball when it is not in play, as the promoted side have scored a league-best 15 goals from such situations. A goal from a standard would not be a surprise on Saturday, as Brighton have conceded 13 of their 28 goals (46.4%) from just such situations – worst in the league.
Last games played by Fulham:
Premier League
11/02/2023 – Fulham 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest
FA Cup
09/02/2023 – Sunderland 2 – 3 Fulham
Premier League
04/02/2023 – Chelsea FC 0 – 0 Fulham
FA Cup
28/01/2023 – Fulham 1 – 1 Sunderland
Premier League
24/01/2023 – Fulham 0 – 1 Tottenham
Brighton – Fulham Direct comparison / H2H record
The Cottagers are by no means the favourite opponent for Brighton & Hove Albion. In the English Premier League, the Brighton vs. Fulham clash was still the most successful bet on the Seagulls. In five games, there were three draws and two wins for the team from London. Should Fulham also win the game at the AMEX Stadium after the 2-1 home victory in August, the Cottagers would clinch the “League Double” against Brighton for the first time since the 1992/93 season.
Brighton – Fulham Tip
Two teams who are having a hell of a season and far exceeding their own expectations face each other on Saturday. It is understandable that Brighton are favourites after a run of five games without defeat. However, the odds on a home win between Brighton and Fulham are too clearly in favour of the hosts. Fulham have recently held Chelsea to a goalless draw, among others.
The Blues are not in top form, but Fulham have proven their own quality several times this season. The away record is not outstanding, but acceptable. Combined with the head-to-head comparison, we see great value in Brighton vs Fulham at Double Chance X2 prediction. Betting odds of over 2.00 are very interesting.
The other top tips in the form of Over 2.5 and “Both teams meet” seem surprising at first glance. However, Fulham’s strength from the resting ball and the Seagulls’ susceptibility to such situations is an indicator for a lot of goal danger out of nowhere. In addition, Brighton are also good for many goals with their much more offensive basic alignment than in the past.
