After a 1-0 win in Spain on Thursday evening in European action, Brighton look to continue their red-hot Premier League form against the only side to score in every league game so far, Brentford.
Match News and Current Form
Brighton strengthened their buffer within the top four after winning 1-0 away to Manchester City last weekend, making this their finest nine-game start to a top-flight season since 2022/23. With clean sheets in their last nine league victories (and all six this season), keeping it tight defensively seems crucial to success as Brighton have failed to win any of their last seven league outings when conceding (D2, L5). The league’s best shot conversion rate (16.1%) has helped the Seagulls heavily outscore opponents more often than not when they do win, with their 13 goals at home (of a league-high 24 in total) helping them remain unbeaten at the Amex this season (W3, D1).
Sitting five points behind their hosts and just outside the European places ahead of the round, Brentford would love to emulate Brighton’s solidity considering that they’ve scored in every game, but failed to win in three of the previous four rounds. Without the burden of European commitments, Brentford will hope their extra preparation time can spur them on to successive league wins for the first time since February, despite going unbeaten in ten of their last 11 Premier League outings (W3, D7, L1). Tough to beat on the road, the Bees have incredibly drawn each of their last five league trips since their final away game of last season.
Head-to-Head History
Brighton have never lost a Premier League home H2H (W3, D2), facing only Newcastle more often in such games without losing. Brentford are at risk of slipping to three successive H2H league losses since both sides played in League One in 2011.
Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Brighton’s last six league games saw both teams score.
Brighton have conceded six of their seven league goals this season before half-time.
Brentford are one of only two Premier League sides yet to concede a set-piece goal.
Brentford have failed to win a league-high five of eight league games when scoring first (W3, D4, L1).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Pascal Groß has created a Premier League-high 24 chances this season, while only three other players can boast a higher return of goal contributions than his seven (G3, A4). He also scored and assisted in his latest home appearance against the Bees. Often utilised from the bench, Brentford’s Callum Wilson has only contributed to more Premier League goals against West Ham than he has against Brighton (G5, A4).
Ferdi Kadıoğlu remains absent for Brighton, while Brentford seemingly have no fresh injury concerns.
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Betting Analysis
Brighton’s odds-on price is undoubtedly justified, but Brentford’s apparent refusal to lose away games means that the draw potentially provides the best value selection.
Author: Matthew Billon