A confident Brighton & Hove Albion host Brentford this Saturday as both sides look to move closer to the European spots heading into the busy end of the season. Unbeaten in three league games heading into the tie, the Seagulls remain keen on improving on their tally of victories whilst the visitors aim for the same, having lost only one of their last five league outings ahead of the tie later today.
Amongst the most impressive teams this season, Brighton will be keen on strengthening their position in the league table moving forward. Level on points with sixth-placed Liverpool, Roberto De Zerbi’s side will be keen on securing nothing but three points against Brentford whilst focusing on remaining dominant in their application on the pitch later today.
On the other hand, expected to remain competitive in their approach, Brentford remain confident in their prospects ahead of the tie against Brighton. With Thomas Frank’s side comprising of personnel likely to challenge the opposition on the pitch, the visitors will be keen on securing a positive result as they aim to qualify for Europe next season.
When & Where?
Venue: American Express Community Stadium.
Date: Saturday, 1st April 2023.
Time: 14:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring.
Fourth Official: Leigh Doughty.
VAR Official: Stuart Attwell.
Team News
Jakub Moder and Adam Lallana continue to recover from long-term injuries whilst Jeremy Sarmiento emerges as the latest addition to the injury list having sustained a foot fracture; potentially missing the remainder of the season. Full-back Tariq Lamptey, however, is expected to return to the match-day squad, having recovered from a knee injury and undergone first-team training.
For visitors, Vitaly Janelt, Keane Lewis-Potter, Kristoffer Ajer, and Aaron Hickey remain on the sidelines due to injuries, although Mads Roerslev is expected to return to the right-back having recovered from injury with Mikkel Damsgaard set to continue in midfield for the Bees later today.
Match Analysis
With both sides expected to employ a positive approach, Saturday’s clash at the Amex Stadium is likely to produce a goal-fest. Likely to prioritise utilising possession in a bid to impose themselves on the opponent, the home side will look for an early breakthrough whilst the visitors will look to make the best of their counter-attacking opportunities, having found consistent success employing the same throughout the campaign.
Dynamic in their progression up the pitch in possession, Brighton will look to disrupt the opposition’s defensive organisation aiming to find the back of the net later today. Boasting envious versatility and creative figures across the attacking third, the Seagulls are likely to look towards exploiting the half-spaces on the flanks whilst creating space in the central areas of the pitch against Brentford. Moreover, skilled in their penetration moving into the final third of the pitch, the hosts will be keen on emerging as the dominant side for most part of the game later today.
Meanwhile, expected to remain organised alongside looking to make the best of their goal-scoring opportunities, the visitors will be keen on delivering a competitive display later today. Likely to make the best of their opportunities through set-pieces and counter-attacks, Brentford will be keen on optimal use of possession alongside being solid in defence against Brighton. However, boasting creative prowess upfront, the visitors will be confident in finding the back of the net later today.
Key Players
Kaoru Mitoma – Brighton & Hove Albion
In excellent form, Mitoma’s movement across the attacking third is expected to play a key role in disrupting Brentford’s defence later today. Having been consistent in his output, hitherto, the forward will be keen on maintaining his impressive standard of performance over the coming fixtures.
Ivan Toney – Brentford
Pivotal to Brentford’s goal-scoring prospects, Toney will be keen on making the best of his opportunities later today. Expected to utilise his strength and movement in disrupting Brighton’s defensive line, the forward will look to exploit the half-spaces in-and-around the penalty box on Saturday.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs Brentford: Jason Steele; Joel Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, Pervis Estupinan; Moises Caicedo, Pascal Gross; Solly March, Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma; Evan Ferguson.
Brentford predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: David Raya; Mads Roerslev, Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Rico Henry; Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard; Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa.
