Football fans should be in for an entertaining game when Brighton and Southampton clash at the Amex on Monday night.
These south coast rivals have both looked dangerous going forward in recent weeks, but they have also struggled to keep clean sheets.
We should therefore expect an open and exciting clash between two teams that like to play high-tempo, attractive football.
Defence Lets Brighton Down
Both teams to score has paid off in eight out of 10 Brighton games so far this season. That is the joint highest record in the league, along with Liverpool.
Graham Potter’s men hosted Liverpool last weekend, and they picked up an impressive 1-1 draw. They were actually unlucky not to take all three points, as Neal Maupay missed a penalty.
The Seagulls also benefited from some contentious VAR decision, as their defence looked shaky at times.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last four games, and that was against goal-shy Burnley, but they have looked very strong going forward.
Walcott and Adams on Song
Southampton looked to be in trouble when star striker Danny Ings went down with a long-term injury at the start of November.
However, they have maintained their strong form since then. They beat Newcastle 2-0, and then did well to battle to a 1-1 draw against Wolves.
The Saints took a 2-0 lead against Man Utd last weekend, but the defence ultimately capitulated and they lost 3-2.
James Ward-Prowse has been terrific in midfield, while Theo Walcott and Che Adams have formed a strong attacking partnership in Ings’ absence, but the defence does not look watertight.
Southampton have kept four clean sheets from 10 games this season, which is an impressive record, but Brighton look very dangerous in attack right now, and they are unlikely to shut the Seagulls out for 90 minutes.
It finished 1-1 when these teams met at St Mary’s in July, and a similar scoreline looks possible on Monday night, but neutral fans will hope for even more goals.
Tip: Both teams to score
Stake: One unit
