Southampton v Brighton: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Back-to-back wins over Chelsea, one in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup, have given Brighton a real boost and they should be able to make it three victories in a row when they visit struggling Southampton.

The Saints have improved somewhat in recent weeks but remain 10 points adrift of safety and look set for a swift return to the Championship despite the best efforts of new manager Ivan Juric.

Southampton v Brighton betting tips and predictions

Brighton to win and both teams to score - 2/1

Injuries and inconsistency had threatened to derail Brighton’s season but they have gotten some of their big stars back of late and have managed to beat Chelsea twice in a row as a result.

Their 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest is starting to feel like a distant memory and they still retain hopes of a European spot.

The Seagulls should be too strong for a Southampton side that have lost seven of their last eight league games, with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Ipswich the exception to those defeats.

The hosts have simply been too leaky at the back, conceding 57 times in 25 games and they have now lost 20 of their 25 matches since their return to the top flight.

One positive is that they do now look on course to avoid the ignominy of failing to better Derby’s lowest-ever Premier League points total of 11.

The home side have also improved going forwards under new boss Juric, with both teams finding the back of the net in six of Southampton’s last seven games.

They are still missing key defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis through injury, though, and could find themselves simply being outscored by a Brighton side that can be deadly on their day.

The visitors are fancied to win a game in which both teams find the net.

Georginio Rutter to score or assist - 10/11

One of the key improvements for Brighton in recent weeks has been the performances of Georginio Rutter.

Their record signing has had an injury-hit time of things at Albion, but he has put that behind him of late and looks more worthy of the big transfer fee with every performance.

The former Leeds man is keeping Joao Pedro out of the team at the moment, an indication of how well he is playing.

He was instrumental in Brighton’s 3-0 win over Chelsea last time out without registering a goal or assist, but he could get immediate compensation against the league’s worst defence.

Rutter has seven goals and three assists in all competitions despite starting just 17 games, no Seagulls player has more goal involvements, and he is fancied to add to that tally at St Mary’s.

Welington to be booked - 15/8

Joining a team that looks destined for relegation in January is a tough task but Welington has made the move from Sao Paulo to Southampton and will be hoping to bring a turnaround in his new team’s fortunes.

The left wing-back has already been booked in just 125 minutes of Premier League action and discipline was an issue for the 24-year-old when playing in his native Brazil.

Welington picked up six yellow cards in 19 Serie A starts for Sao Paulo last season and is likely to line up against the tricky Yankuba Minteh in this one. Side with the new boy to pick up another caution.

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Southampton v Brighton odds

Southampton - 19/4
Draw - 31/10
Brighton - 11/20

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.