The Matchday 1 Premier League clash between Brighton and Fulham will take place on August 16 at the Amex Stadium in Falmer. Brighton vs. Fulham: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Brighton
The club has been a regular in the Premier League since 2016. Their best season came in 2022/23 when they finished 6th with 62 points. Last season, Fabian Hurzeler's side narrowly missed this achievement, finishing 8th with 61 points. Notably, Brighton climbed so high thanks to a five-match unbeaten streak at the end of the championship (4 wins and 1 draw). Interestingly, the club continued this trend in their pre-season training, remaining unbeaten in five friendlies (4 wins and 1 draw).
During the transfer window, the club sold forwards Simon Adingra and Joao Pedro, defender Pervis Estupinan, and midfielder Valentin Barco. Forward Evan Ferguson was loaned out. The team welcomed defenders Maxime de Cuyper, Diego Coppola, and Olivier Boscagli, as well as forwards Charalampos Kostulas and Tom Watson.
- At least 3 goals have been scored in 13 of the club's last 15 Premier League games.
- Both teams scored in 7 of Brighton's last 8 league matches.
- The team has not lost in 7 of their last 8 home Premier League matches (5 wins and 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Bart Verbruggen – Joel Veltman, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Maxime de Cuyper – Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba – Bryan Gruda, Jeremy Sarmiento, Yankuba Minteh – Danny Welbeck.
Defenders Tariq Lamptey, Solly March, and Adam Webster, as well as forward Julio Enciso, are out due to injuries.
Fulham
The Londoners have been playing in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, consistently finishing mid-table. Last season, Marco Silva's side finished 11th and were notable for an 18-match uncompromising streak from January to May in the Premier League – 8 wins and 10 losses. Ahead of the new season, the club had a decent pre-season, winning three friendly matches.
In the off-season, the club was not active in the transfer market, acquiring only goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte. Forwards Willian and Carlos Vinicius left the club.
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 10 of Fulham's last 15 Premier League games.
- The club has avoided draws in their last 11 away Premier League matches – 6 wins and 5 losses.
- Both teams scored in 10 of Fulham's last 13 away league matches.
Predicted lineup for Fulham (4-3-3)
Bernd Leno – Timothy Castagne, Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Kenny Tete – Sander Berge, Emile Smith Rowe, Sasa Lukic – Adama Traore, Alex Iwobi, Raul Jimenez.
Defender Antonee Robinson is out due to injury. Defender Ryan Sessegnon's participation is in doubt.
Referee
Samuel Barrott (England)
Matches – 23 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 106;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 17%.
Brighton vs. Fulham: Match Prediction
The teams have been regular opponents in the Premier League since 2018. During this period, they have faced each other 10 times, with Brighton winning only once. Fulham won 5 times, and there were 4 draws. Furthermore, the last three encounters have seen 3 or 4 goals scored.
I believe Fulham will avoid defeat this time as well. The club surprised with their inconsistent results last season – losing points where they should have won and gaining them unexpectedly. The match is likely to be high-scoring, as in Brighton's last eight home Premier League games, at least 3 goals were scored seven times. The same scoring trend was seen in 9 of Fulham's last 12 away league matches.
My prediction – Double chance and total over 2.5 goals
