Match for the 1st round of the Premier League, at American Express Stadium, home of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Facts
- Brighton’s win in March against Fulham was their first after nine unsuccessful games against the Cottagers.
- Four of their last six matches saw both teams score.
- Fulham manager Marco Silva has faced Brighton 11 times, managing Watford, Everton, and Fulham (5-4-2 record). He has struggled away from home, winning one and losing three out of five.
Betting Tip Brighton – Fulham
Brighton’s summer reinforcements can be the difference in the Seagulls’ push for European football, something that eluded them last season. They have impressed in the preseason, but so did Fulham, and the potential for a high-scoring affair is there. Our pick is BTTS.
- Prediction: BTTS
- Odds: 1.63 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 4
Brighton
Brighton came very close to securing European football last May. In Fabian Hurzeler’s debut season as Brighton manager, the Seagulls were able to make it to 8th place, tallying 61 points and hoping they’d qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
However, Crystal Palace’s unlikely FA Cup win took that hope away from them. Still, Hurzeler’s work has left everyone around the team feeling hopeful for this season.
The team’s usual policy of selling off key players to (very) high bidders was repeated once again. Striker Joao Pedro, left wing-back Estupinan, and left winger Adingra departed for considerable sums of money.
That money was invested in several talented youngsters, such as Greek forwards Kostoulas and Tzimas (Olympiacos and PAOK, respectively), defender Coppola (Hellas Verona), and winger Watson (Sunderland). Slightly more experienced players, like centre back Boscagli from Eindhoven and left back De Cuyper from Club Brugge, also joined the team.
There is an exciting and interesting mix of players here, and the team impressed in the preseason. The seagulls won 7 of their 8 friendly games between England and Spain, showing their familiar offensive prowess and a newfound defensive discipline.
Fulham
Fulham’s performances last season left most of their fans feeling rather ambivalent. Despite tallying a Premier League club record of 54 points, the Cottagers were unable to meet their goal of securing a European football ticket, finishing at 11th place. Worryingly, dreams of a push upwards this season might have to be watered down.
That’s because the West Londoners’ board has decided to devote resources and attention to the completion of Craven Cottage’s Riverside Stand. When that project is finished, club revenue is expected to soar.
Until that point, Marco Silva (continuing at the helm) will have to make do with whatever limited resources the board allocates. Despite no significant departures, Fulham only added veteran goalkeeper Lecomte.
Continuity and homogeneity have been paying off so far. Fulham won five of their six friendlies played in England and Portugal, suffering just one defeat and showing great promise in attack.
