Overview
Compared to Premier League teams, Brighton and Tottenham returned to play after a relatively long holiday at Christmas. Spurs have been given a five-day break since their meeting with Everton on December 23, while the "Seagulls" will not play after a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Coach Roberto De Zerbi was the happiest person after his recent break, when the injury was devastating Brighton and directly affected the result. They have won just two of their last 12 games in all competitions.
However, Brighton are still very difficult to beat in the Premier League, having lost just 2 of their last 9 matches, against Chelsea and Arsenal.
The defeat to Arsenal was the only time in their last 34 Premier League games that Brighton have failed to score. However, the Seagulls have scored in their last 17 home Premier League games, since a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in February.
However, they have also conceded in their last 12 games at the Amex, since beating Man United 1-0 in May. This is a real concern for De Zerbi, as in their last 20 away games, Tottenham have failed to score in just one game.
Both teams are in positions not too far from the ambitions set at the beginning of the season. Therefore, a victory at this time is an important goal for both sides. Brighton have home advantage, but Tottenham also have an impressive away record in 2023.
Brighton are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League home games (W3 D 4), since a 3-1 defeat to West Ham in August. Tottenham have, in contrast, averaged two points per game away from home since Ange Postecoglou took over in the summer.
Spurs fans could be more excited, as the reality is that three of Brighton's last four home defeats have come against London (Arsenal, Fulham and West Ham).
However, the problem for Postecoglou before this match is still a long injury list. Most recently, the Australian strategist confirmed that center back Cristian Romero could be absent for more than a month.
With Micky van de Ven still unable to play, Emerson Royal can continue to play centre-back with Ben Davies. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma is suspended, but destiny Udogie has returned.
A positive signal for Tottenham is Richarlison's brilliant form in recent matches. The Brazilian striker has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games.
Son Heung-min has also been involved in eight goals in his last seven Premier League away games, scoring seven and providing one assist.
On the other side of the front line, Brighton are worried about the fitness of Kaoru Mitoma, who has suffered an ankle injury and is facing a fitness test. In addition, Ansu Fati, Junctionssio, Joel Veltman, Pervis Estupinan, Adam Webster, tariq Lamptey and Solly March continue to be absent.
Head-to-head record
After winning 2 and drawing 1 of their first 4 home matches in the Premier League against Tottenham, Brighton have lost both of their last 2 matches without scoring.
Last season, despite a disastrous decline, Tottenham still knew how to defeat Brighton in both matches. However, the last time Spurs scored against Brighton without Harry Kane was nearly 5 years ago. That was a 1-0 win in April 2019, scored by Christian Eriksen.
The match between Brighton vs Tottenham takes place at 2:30 am on December 29 (Vietnam time), live on K+.
