Premier League Preview: Tottenham Hotspur Vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Kick-off: December 13, 20:00 Venue: Wembley Stadium
Chris Hughton is sure to receive a warm reception when he returns to former club Tottenham with Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday evening.
It’s a decade since the former Spurs coach was relieved of his duties at the same time as then-manager Martin Jol, but he is still highly regarded in north London – not least because he has steered Brighton to a respectable 13th in the Premier League table. As a player, he won two UEFA Cups and a UEFA Cup during his time at White Hart Lane.
Spurs are yet to concede against newly-promoted opposition this season, beating Newcastle 2-0 and Huddersfield 4-0. They look to continue that run against an Albion side who have only scored once in their last four, though that has included games against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Results certainly went the Lilywhites’ way at the weekend, as their 5-1 win over Stoke meant they were able to capitalise on Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and United all dropping points.
Heung-Min Son put in a man of the match performance to put himself in contention for another start against the Seagulls, setting up Ryan Shawcross’ own goal and then finding the back of the net himself. Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen were also among the goals, the former missing a couple of chances you’d expect him to put away, but still bagging a brace.
For all the talk of their poor form prior to taking all three points against the Potters, Spurs remain unbeaten at home in the league since August’s reverse against Chelsea.
Team news
Mauricio Pochettino has no new concerns, with Davinson Sanchez still suspended following his red card at Watford and Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama definitely out. The latter has been taking part in light training but the club are yet to set a date for his return. Sanchez’s absence suggests Eric Dier may operate at centre-back again in a 4-4-2.
Brighton generally have a clean bill of health, apart from midfielder Steve Sidwell, who has a problem with his lower back.
Expected line-ups
Tottenham: Lloris, Aurier, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose, Sissoko, Winks, Eriksen, Dele, Son, Kane
Brighton: Ryan, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Suttner, Schelotto, Stephens, Propper, Brown, Gross, Murray
Did you know?
The last time these two sides faced each other was in 2014 in the League Cup, with Kane and Erik Lamela getting themselves on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. It may be hard to believe now, but it was an important victory for Pochettino, who was under pressure after a poor run of two wins in six games. These two haven’t met in the league since 1983 in Division One, a game which Brighton won 2-1.
Prediction:
Just as they were against Liverpool, Brighton risk being torn apart if Spurs play like they did on Saturday – clinical, ruthless, and rapid.
Having got back to winning ways, Tottenham are fully expected to carry that momentum forward. As for Brighton, if they do suffer defeat, they could soon find themselves looking over their shoulders, as they start the evening just four points clear of the relegation zone. Tottenham 3-0 Brighton
