Southampton Vs Brighton: Match Preview 22/02/2025
Southampton are growing increasingly desperate to break that daunting 11-point record. They have managed to avoid defeat on only five occasions: Two against Ipswich, the other three involved a win over Everton, a draw against Fulham, and a draw against upcoming opponents Brighton.
The Seagulls will want to avenge the previous fixture with a win on Saturday, especially after their two consecutive wins over Chelsea, marking a resurgence of form.
Previous Encounter
The points were shared equally at the Amex, with Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Southampton’s Flynn Downes on the scoresheet.
Controversy arose, however, when the Saints believed they had achieved an impressive eight-minute turnaround in the second half. Cameron Archer initially scored, giving Southampton the lead, but after a four-and-a-half-minute VAR check, the goal was disallowed. The review found Adam Armstrong offside as the ball passed him in the penalty area, despite no contact made.
A managerial change has occurred since their last clash. Ivan Jurić has replaced Russell Martin as the manager of the Saints, with Brighton’s Fabian Hürzeler noting their differing tactical approaches:
“There was a change. In general, they play [and] try to press more man-orientated, try to press very high, try to be very aggressive. I think there was a style change, yes.”
Team News
Flynn Downes, previously, would not be getting a look in for this game, due to the rumours of a rift between him and Ivan Jurić, but it seems that this saga could be over as the Croatian revealed at the press conference:
“We had a really good chat, I think he understands the mistakes. Even now, after everything, I know that he’s a very good player. He’s fit and training well.”
Another player returning could be captain Jack Stephens who is fit again after lasting only 11 minutes at Ipswich, leading to a need for management of minutes, Jurić admitted:
“He could be an option in the future for me. Now I think we have to be really careful after the Ipswich game. I put him in the team immediately and maybe he wasn’t ready. Gradually, he can be an option.”
However, both Taylor Harwood-Bellis and midfielder Adam Lallana remain unavailable for selection due to minor injuries.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler revealed both Pervis Estupinan and Solly March are back in training after injury, indicating they could play a part for tomorrow.
However, captain Lewis Dunk is a doubt due to the rib injury he suffered in the Seagulls’ FA Cup victory over Chelsea two weeks ago.
Players To Watch
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Since Jurić’s arrival, the young Ghanaian has been transformed, even concluding his 20 month goal drought in the league last Saturday against Bournemouth.
His electrifying speed and elusive dribbling were major factors for his initial signing two years ago. Although he hasn’t consistently displayed these skills, he has seemingly been unlocked and his record transfer fee is beginning to come to fruition.
Kaoru Mitoma – The 27-year-old featured on the scoresheet the last time these two sides met back in November, and has undoubtedly continued his goalscoring form in recent weeks.
Since the start of the new year, he has scored four goals and provided one assist, making him Brighton’s joint-highest scorer this season alongside fellow forward Georginio Rutter.
What To Expect
Brighton have had an inconsistent campaign thus far. They will aim to deploy a high-tempo, attacking style of play. Key threats Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, and Danny Welbeck will likely target the flanks and central gaps, supported by creative midfielders Geroginio Rutter and Joāo Pedro.
Brighton may dominate possession and press high, though their backline could be tested if Southampton utlise counterattack situations correctly with creative outlets Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling, but they’ll need to tighten up to avoid being overrun. The Saints employ a man-to-man marking/pressing system which, with their backline already prone to conceding multiple goals at home, risks being overstretched if their press is bypassed.
Neither team will back down from their tactical approach, but a game possibly relying on individual and overall quality may play into the Seagull’s favour.
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