Brighton and Watford will clash at the Amex Stadium on Saturday with neither team in form. Chris Hughton’s Brighton have lost three straight matches. They gave up seven goals in their trio of losses while scoring three goals.
Brighton’s midweek loss to Fulham was extremely painful as the Seagulls took an early two goal lead only to lose 4-2. Now, Hughton must get his team back to winning ways as just seven points separate the club with the relegation zone.
Watford also suffered a loss in midweek. Like Brighton, Watford jumped out to an early lead only to be pegged back. Tottenham scored twice in the final 10 minutes to give Watford their ninth loss of the season. Prior to the loss, Watford had gone four matches undefeated. Manager Javi Gracia has done a fine job at Vicarage Road and with a few player additions in the summer, Watford could push for a European place.
Brighton’s Achille’s heel against Fulham were crosses played in from wide areas. Watford have the players to attack Brighton in the same way and strikers Andre Grey and Troy Deeney are good through the air. Full-back Jose Holebas has been Watford’s top assist provider with six and it is likely he will freely play crosses in from the left side.
Hughton’s team has found its recent Premier League life to be difficult. Brighton have won just one of their last nine league games. Six of those fixtures ended in losses. Brighton have won once and drawn twice against Watford in their last six meetings. The clubs have traded wins recently with Watford winning at home earlier this term and Brighton winning their meeting last season at the Amex.
Deeney has been in form for Watford in the team’s last five away fixtures. The striker has tallied four goals in that time. Although, Watford’s recent league games have seen goals, their last six matches against Brighton have not. Those matches all finished with fewer than 2.5 goals.
Gracia will be without three key players for their trip to the south coast. Abdoulaye Doucoure, Kiko Femenia, and Sebastian Prodl will all miss the fixture. The lack of important players will stretch the Hornets thin in defence.
Based on the lack of goals these teams have scored against each other, this match will see under 2.5 goals. Recent form will also play a part as the two clubs finish in a score draw at the Amex on Saturday.