Brighton return to the Amex Stadium on Sunday looking to maintain their impressive Premier League form when they welcome Brentford. Fabian Hürzeler’s side sit third in the table after an outstanding opening nine league matches, while Keith Andrews’ visitors arrive encouraged by their 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and determined to secure consecutive league wins for the first time since February.
The Seagulls have scored 24 goals in their opening nine Premier League fixtures, more than any other team in the division, while only Arsenal have conceded fewer than their seven. Their recent 1-0 victory away to Manchester City underlined their ability to compete with the league’s strongest sides, and Thursday’s 1-0 Conference League win against Getafe provided another boost ahead of their return to domestic action.
Brighton’s attacking threat is not limited to one individual. Pascal Groß has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this season, with 24, and has already registered four assists. The Seagulls have also scored seven goals from set-pieces, the highest total in the division, while their 97 high turnovers demonstrate how effectively they press opponents and recover possession in advanced areas.
However, the demanding schedule presents a challenge. Sunday’s fixture comes only three days after Brighton’s European trip to Spain, with the squad returning to Sussex on Friday lunchtime. Hürzeler made five changes for the Getafe match and will need to manage his players carefully as they prepare for another physically demanding contest.
The Brighton manager acknowledged the difficulties of the journey and the importance of recovery, saying:
“I’m not sure if the body ever gets used to these kind of travels. It’s definitely a lot of travelling, but it’s something we can adapt to and manage quite well.”
He added:
“The most important thing is that we are mentally and physically ready for Sunday. That’s the responsibility of everyone, not only the players but the staff as well.”
Hürzeler also expects Brentford to offer a very different challenge from Getafe, particularly through their direct approach and strength in physical battles.
“It will be a very physical game and completely different from Getafe. We know it’s a game of long balls. Brentford try to be very physical for the second ball and they have a clear style of play.”
The Seagulls will also be encouraged by their record at the Amex, where they have never lost a Premier League home match against Brentford, recording three victories and two draws. Brighton have won the last two league meetings between the clubs, although their opponents have shown considerable consistency this season.
Brentford have scored in every Premier League match so far, making them the only side in the division to maintain that record. They have also lost just one of their last 11 league fixtures, recording three wins and seven draws. Their latest victory over Nottingham Forest ended a run of three consecutive league draws and gives Andrews’ side an opportunity to build further momentum.
Igor Thiago has been particularly influential, either scoring or assisting in each of his last four appearances in all competitions. Brentford have also demonstrated considerable attacking variety, with 10 different players finding the net in the Premier League this season. Their ability to threaten from different areas could test a Brighton defence that has been particularly effective after the interval, conceding just once in the second half of their league matches.
Andrews has recognised the quality of the opposition and the tactical flexibility that makes Brighton difficult to contain.
“I think they’re playing really, really well. The way they’re organised in every facet of the game is very impressive.”
The Brentford head coach is nevertheless confident that his players can create problems of their own, adding:
“We’ve got the tools to cause them problems; we’ve got the tools to cause any team problems, but we’ll need to play very well.”
Team news could also influence the contest. Brighton have reported no fresh injury concerns following the victory over Getafe, while midfielder Chema is hoping to be available after missing the European fixture. Brentford will have Yehor Yarmoliuk back following the completion of his three-match suspension. Josh Dasilva is edging closer to a return but is still building his fitness, while Antoni Milambo is not yet ready for selection. Fábio Carvalho and Rico Henry remain sidelined.
With Brighton boasting the division’s most productive attack and Brentford having scored in every league fixture, the visitors are unlikely to make the afternoon straightforward for the hosts. The Seagulls will look to use their possession, pressing and home advantage to control the game, but Brentford’s direct approach and recent consistency could make this a demanding test for Hürzeler’s side.
