Match Preview: Spurs v Brighton (we must keep the momentum up)

 

Match Preview: Spurs v Brighton (we must keep the momentum up)

After six wins in seven games and United and Arsenal stumbling, we are now in a healthy position (4^th), it is down to us whether we throw it or fight for a top spot and Champions League football.

This weekend sees us going up against Brighton (last weeks conquers of the Gooners) while the Gooners, themselves, face Southampton away. Man United take on Norwich City at home.

We've already beaten Brighton twice this season, once in the league and once knocking them out of the FA Cup. They are in a healthy position (11th) and 11 points above relegation. That doesn't mean we can take this match for granted… remember, they've humiliated the Gooners, so they will feel they are on a role.

We are in fantastic form right now, and this weekend, we are expecting an entertaining 90-minutes between two teams that are at their best when going forward.

We have secured five wins from our last seven encounters with Brighton in league and cup, and both teams have scored in three of the pair's previous five head-to-heads. We have been scoring goals that have led to us winning five of our last six matches in the Premier League, and both teams have scored in three of our previous five outings. Brighton have lost four of their previous six matches but did manage to beat the Gooners last time out and looked very good going forward in that game.

Thoughts

We deserved to win 4-0 away to Aston Villa; our clinical finishing proved the difference between both teams. Granted, Villa had loads of chances during the 90-minutes, especially in the first half, but a goal from Son in the 3rd-minute separated us from them at the break. In the second half, we went up a gear and moved 2-0 in front through Kulusevski just 5-minutes after the restart. Son scored twice in 5 second-half minutes to complete his hat trick and make the final scoreline 4-0.

My predicted Lineups

Lloris, Reguilón, Davies, Romero, Emerson, Son, Højbjerg, Dier, Bentancur, Kulusevski & Kane

Head-to-Head

We hold the clear advantage in 11 head-to-head encounters between the two sides. We have won eight games. Brighton & Hove Albion have won two games, while there has been one draw. Son has scored 17 league goals, while Harry Kane has registered 12 goals. Dejan Kulusevski has been a revelation since joining us in January. The 21-year old has already scored three goals and registered six assists in the league. Enock Mwepu has scored two goals and provided four assists in the league for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Prediction

We are firmly in the blend for the final Champions League spot, and we will take courage from the Gooner's recent struggles. Harry Kane and Son are the obvious star performers, but Dejan Kulusevski has stood out since joining the club on loan from Juventus in January.

I believe that Conte is one of the best managers in world football, and we have already made marked improvements under his management. Given the Gooner's deficiencies in certain areas and our improved performances, it can be argued that we are the favourites to finish 4^th, but we shouldn't take anything for granted.

As for Brighton, who are 11^th in the league and have won just one of their last five league game, having beaten Woolwich recently, the Seagulls have already done us a huge favour.

My prediction: 4-0

After this game, we face Brentford with Christian Eriksen in their side, Leicester City at home, then the big test, the Scousers away, followed by Woolwich Gooners (H), Burnley (H) and then the last game of the season Norwich City away.

There you have it… I am sure that if we get into the top four, Daniel Levy will reward Conte with a good war chest so that we can compete adequately with the best.

COYS!