Spurs return to Premier League action after a hard-fought 2-1 Europa League victory over Ferencvaros, while Brighton have had a full week to reflect on their 4-2 loss to Chelsea. Although Tottenham fielded a second-string squad in Europe, they faced a tougher challenge than their dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United last weekend.
Pape Sarr and the in-form Brennan Johnson scored for Spurs, but Ferencvaros pulled one back late in the game. Despite the scare, Tottenham held on for their second Europa League win, featuring four teenage starters in their lineup.
Now, with a more experienced squad expected, Spurs aim to make it six straight wins and three Premier League victories in a row, following recent triumphs over Brentford (3-1) and Man United.
Even before Bruno Fernandes' controversial red card in that match, Tottenham were already outclassing United, moving themselves up to eighth in the table and closing in on European qualification after a slow start to the season.
However, Spurs have struggled with consistent away form under Ange Postecoglou. A win at the Amex would mark their first back-to-back away victories in the Premier League in 12 months.
Brighton, meanwhile, had a brief moment of joy at Stamford Bridge last weekend when Georginio Rutter scored early, but that only ignited a record-breaking performance from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who scored four goals in one half.
Despite Carlos Baleba pulling one back, Brighton couldn’t recover, and new manager Fabian Hurzeler was left frustrated by the defensive errors that led to their first defeat under his leadership. They now sit ninth in the standings, just one point behind Tottenham.
Brighton’s matches have been full of goals recently, with both teams scoring multiple times in their last three games. However, they’ve only managed two wins in their last eight Premier League matches at home, drawing their most recent two against Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest.
This fixture last season saw Brighton triumph 4-2 over Spurs, but Tottenham got their revenge with a 2-1 win at home in February. None of the last 13 meetings between these two sides has ended in a draw, so fans can expect another decisive result on Sunday.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and left-back Destiny Udogie both missed the trip to Ferencvaros due to minor injuries. While Udogie is expected to be fit for Sunday’s game, Son is unlikely to feature. If Son is absent again, some Spurs fans may call for 17-year-old Mikey Moore to start over Timo Werner, who has been wasteful lately, but Ange Postecoglou is expected to stick with Werner.Tottenham are still without attackers Wilson Odobert and Richarlison due to injuries, leaving Dominic Solanke to lead the line after receiving his first England call-up in seven years. Defender Radu Dragusin is back from his Europa League suspension, but Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven who impressed with a solo run and assist at Old Trafford will likely keep their spots in defense.
On Brighton's side, manager Fabian Hurzeler gave a mixed update on player fitness. James Milner (thigh), Brajan Gruda, Joel Veltman (illness), and long-term absentee Solly March (knee) might be available for Sunday. However, Joao Pedro (ankle), Matt O'Riley (ankle), and Jan Paul van Hecke are still out. Simon Adingra is questionable and may only be fit enough for the bench.
Last weekend, 20-year-old Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba made history at Stamford Bridge, becoming the youngest Cameroonian to score and assist in a Premier League match. He is expected to pair up with fellow young talent Jack Hinshelwood in Brighton's midfield again.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Igor, Estupinan; Enciso, Baleba, Hinshelwood; Rutter, Welbeck, Mitoma
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Werner
EXPERT PREDICTION
Brighton 2-2 Tottenham
Both Brighton and Tottenham have found the back of the net in their last three meetings, and Sunday’s match should follow the same trend, especially with Brighton’s recent high-scoring games.
Tottenham have been firing on all cylinders, leading the Premier League with 45 shots on target this season. With their key players rested and ready to return, Spurs are favored to extend their winning streak.
