Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs. Tottenham Hotspur: match preview, projected lineups, predictions, and how to watch

Saturday’s loss to Manchester City wasn’t unexpected, but it was uninspired. Spurs hoped that City would come to Wembley reeling, unfocused, and most of all disinterested. Instead, it was the home side who exemplified at least the latter of those two qualities. For Tottenham Hotspur it was a match to forget, but one that ultimately didn’t mean much to their standing in the Premier League table. Spurs lost three points in their lead over Chelsea for fourth place, but still have a commanding seven point cushion over their West London counterparts. With United’s loss to West Bromwich Albion, Manchester City clinched the Premier League title, but it also kept Spurs within four points of second place. Liverpool sit three points ahead of Tottenham in second place, though Spurs still have that game in hand.

Brighton have had a remarkably steady inaugural campaign in the Premier League. They aren’t completely safe from relegation, but like Tottenham’s hold over fourth place, they are in darn good shape with a seven point lead over eighteenth placed Southhampton with five matches to play. Their marquee win of the season occurred in March in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal. While they haven’t won points over any other top side, they have consistently kept matches close — no matter who they are playing against — and have had a penchant for taking care of the teams in the bottom half of the Prem. In fact, Spurs 2-0 win over Brighton at Wembley is pretty indicative of their play all season. A fluke goal by Serge Aurier and a late clincher by Sonny gave Spurs the win, but the three points were never a certainty, nor comfortable.

Glenn Murray has had a fantastic campaign for Brighton with fourteen goals on the season and has been ever-present leading the line and poaching goals as they come. Anthony Knockaert, Davy Propper, and Dale Stephens have been stalwarts in midfield, while Pascal Gross has been a massive signing for the club at just £3 million. Their defense has been organized and strong as well landing in the top half of the Premier League in clean sheets and eleven in goals against. Chris Hughton has no doubt done a fine job with his team and at the very least they will work hard and stay structured throughout.

The hope is that Brighton play against Spurs how Spurs played against Manchester City — a little timid and aloof. With this match not being *essential* to Brighton’s Premier League hopes, it has all the hallmarks of a let down game from their end. Hopefully the loss to City, Spurs first in the Premier League in 2018, will be enough to energize the side to three important points.

How to Watch

Date/time: Saturday, 7:45 p.m. (UK), 2:45 p.m. ET (USA)
Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton, UK
Official: Kevin Friend
TV: NBCSN (NBC Sports Live Extra), Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, NOW TV, SKY GO Extra,Sky Go UK, BBC Radio, BBC Radio 5 Live (UK), TSN5, TSNGO (Canada), Optus Sport (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBC Sports Live Extra (USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also often at BBC Radio London,BBC Radio 5 Live, and TalkSport

Projected Lineup

Harry Winks remains sidelined, with Danny Rose’s status in doubt as well. Mauricio Pochettino all but confirmed Lucas Moura’s start, while hinted at Toby rejoining the first team. Regardless, there should significant rotation in order.

Its a tricky lineup to predict, but here it goes: Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, and Ben Davies will form the backline, with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko resting Eric Dier and Mousa Dembélé. The attacking band will consist of Christian Eriksen, Lucas Moura, and Erik Lamela, with the surprise of Sonny getting the start over Harry Kane up top to give that golden ankle a few extra days. Should be an interesting rotation regardless.

Prediction League

The masthead were across the map in their predictions for the City match and while Meador, Skipjack, Nathan, and Pardeep all predicted Manchester City victories, only Joe Patrick guessed an exact 3-1 result. His prediction places him in a tie for third place, while Pardeep closed the gap between herself and Menno in half. Menno still leads, but only by one measly point.

Dustin Menno: It wouldn’t be a Spurs season without some worrying over stupid late season results. 2-2 draw.

Matthew Pachniuk: 2-0 Spurs win.

GN Punk: Brighton suck. We get back to our winning ways. 3-1 Spurs.

Skipjack: Can’t argue with the success of the Hughton IPO launch but I don’t think it’ll be enough. 2-0 Spurs.

Earl of Shoop: Did you know Albion is a really old way of referring to the island of Great Britain? Spurs 3-1.

Pardeep Cattry: This one will likely come without complications. Tottenham 2-0.

Jake Meador: We’re still good. Brighton is still a promoted side with iffy talent. 2-0 Spurs.

Ed F: I love Chris Hughton a lot but his Brighton team are gonna get punished. 4-0 Spurs.

Salmon Chase: TBD.

Alex Greenberg: Brighton aren’t Manchester City. We good. 4-1 Spurs.

Nathan Giannini: Spurs gonna smash ‘em. 3-0 Tottenham.

Joel Wertheimer: LUCCCAASSS. 2-0 Spurs.

Joe Patrick: 3-0 Spurs sounds about right to me.

Bryan A: TBD...