With clubs in the top five dropping points in recent games, Brighton will be looking to close the gap as they target European football for a second successive season.
Brighton are still eighth in the standings, five points adrift of fifth-paced Tottenham. The Seagulls are also above West Ham, Chelsea and their upcoming opponents, Brentford.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men started the season like a house on fire, though the added burden/privilege of European football has clearly taken its toll.
The Seagulls may boast one of the best attacking forces in the Premier League having bagged 30 goals, though they also have the worst defensive record inside the top 13.
Brighton have lost one of their last eight games across all competitions and have only lost two of nine at home.
Brentford, who have won four of their last six, will certainly fancy their chances at the Amex. The problem, however, is their away form which currently consists of one win in five.
Both teams boast lengthy injury lists ahead of the Premier League’s manic Christmas period.
Brighton, for instance, are without Danny Welbeck, Adam Webster, Solomon March, Tariq Lamptey, Ansu Fati, Pervis Estupinan and Julio Enciso. There’s also the suspended duo of Lewis Dunk and Mahmoud Dahoud.
Brentford, meanwhile, will be missing Nathan Collins, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Kevin Schade. Christian Norgaard is suspended while the likes of Kristoffer Ajer, Mikkel Damsgaard, Joshua Dasilva and Mathias Jensen are all doubts.
