Brighton welcome Fulham on the opening weekend of the 25/26 Premier League season and I fancy goals if last season is anything to go by.

🔵 Brighton Well Prepared

The first thing that stands out when looking at Brighton’s squad for the upcoming season is the level of depth they have in every position. Brighton have one of the largest squads in the Premier League, but won’t be competing in Europe next season which could cause issues, but equally could be key in those games against sides that have just played a midweek game in Europe. 

As always Brighton have made some intelligent moves in the transfer window. The standout signing for me is Maxim De Cuyper, a talented left back that they have signed from Club Brugge. It’s really worth keeping an eye on De Cuyper for attacking returns this season, he registered an xA of 11.9 in the Belgian First Division last season.

Brighton have had a steady pre-season with a win over Wolfsburg and a draw against Southampton as they prepare for the new season. An area of concern ahead of this first game is the key players that Brighton will be missing via injury: Baleba, Hinselwood and Lamptey will all be missing for this opening game of the season.

⚪ Fulham Defensive Struggles

Fulham have had a really disappointing transfer window, a bit like last season which means they are in slight danger of growing complacent in the Premier League with the sides around them improving all the time. Marco Silva is an excellent manager but you feel as though he has reached his ceiling with this squad, and a lack of investment may cause Fulham to plummet further down the table - not to the point of a relegation battle, but certainly a distance away from the ultra competitive battle for Europe. 

As previously mentioned, Fulham only kept five clean sheets in the Premier League last season which is very out of character for a manager like Marco Silva who usually prides himself on his sides’ organisation and defensive acumen. The backline hasn’t been strengthened which would suggest that Fulham may end this season with just as poor a defensive record.

📊 Brighton v Fulham H2H

Fulham ran out 3-1 winners in the initial head to head meeting last season between the sides at Craven Cottage before Brighton got their revenge with a 2-1 win at the Amex. 

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.