Charalampos Kostoulas Betting Tips & Predictions

I’ve been really impressed with Fabian Hurzeler’s side so far this season, they sit third in the Premier League - behind only Arsenal and Manchester City - having won four of their opening six games and notably scoring 18 goals in the process.

No side has scored more goals in the Premier League than Brighton this season, with the Seagulls scoring eight of these goals across their three home games. They’ve won two of these matches, including beating Arsenal at the Amex just before the international break.

Hurzeler had the luxury of rotating more extremely for Brighton’s midweek Conference League clash, but Sage had to field a pretty similar lineup to the one that started in Lyon - where Palace lost 3-2. 

That lack of squad depth could be the point of difference between these sides, with Brighton looking really strong at home and Palace conceding 12 goals across their opening six matches of the Premier League season. 

Despite sitting third in the league, Brighton have one of the worst disciplinary records this season. The Seagulls are averaging 12.7 fouls per game, which has translated to 13 yellows and one red in just six matches.

They have landed this selection in five league outings overall, with the only failure coming in a 5-0 drubbing of Coventry. With this being a derby day fixture, it is likely to be more competitive and feisty, which makes cards a target. 

These two might not be the most obvious rivals, but recent fixtures have been intense. In fact, over 3.5 cards has landed in each of the last six head-to-head matchups between Brighton and Crystal Palace.

Jorgen Strand Larsen will be the outlet in the final third for Palace this weekend, and he will have plenty of pressure to absorb when the ball gets to his feet.

Brighton like to press aggressively in midfield in an attempt to win back the ball as quickly as possible. The striker is averaging 1.22 fouls drawn per 90 this season across all competitions, and he has been fouled in six of his seven starts overall.

Strand Larsen had an average of 0.79 fouls drawn per 90 in the previous campaign, but his role up front has been much greater so far with Jean-Philippe Mateta out injured.

Brighton have enjoyed a month full of awards, including Manager of the month, Goal of the month, and German midfielder Gross winning player of the month.

But his matchup against Wharton and Timber is something that is worth paying attention to.

Whilst his attacking numbers have been incredible, the 35-year-old is averaging 1.35 fouls per 90 across all competitions, a number that jumps to 2.0 in the Prem alone.

That figure is only beaten by Chema Andres in the Brighton squad.

Hurzeler’s side will be looking to continue their fine start to the season against rivals Palace, so Gross’ 12 fouls and trend of committing at least one in each of his six starts is not something likely to end here.

Especially when Palace’s Dutch midfielder Timber is drawing 2.5 fouls alone this season, too.

Gross might be involved in the Seagulls' attack, but I also think he gets cautioned at the Amex here as well.

Charalampos Kostoulas was afforded a rest midweek, but he is likely to start up front for Brighton at the weekend. The Greek international has started the season in strong form, scoring twice in five Premier League starts. He has racked up a total of 13 shots in that time, averaging 3.03 shots per 90. 

He is a constant danger in the final third, and Kostoulas is playing with confidence at the moment, which naturally makes him a target. Given how poorly Palace defended at the week, and how they conceded three times against Lyon midweek, the Brighton striker should be looking forward to this matchup.