We are fast approaching the end of the season in the English Premier League and the battle for the top four is intensifying.
Tottenham Hotspur meet Brighton and Hove Albion with the top four still in their own hands whereas the visitors are battling to avoid the drop.
Tottenham lost 1-0 at Manchester City on the weekend in what was always going to be a tough game following the thrilling Champions League encounter on Wednesday night. Spurs fell 1-0 behind early on in the match but created enough chances of their own to at least take a point from the game but it wasn’t to be.
Fortunately, both Manchester United and Arsenal lost on Sunday and that means Spurs will definitely be inside the top four come the start of this match, with their Champions League fate in their own hands.
Despite losing their last two games, the first loss to Manchester City in the Champions League felt like a win and Spurs have won three of their last five matches, two of which have been in the Premier League.
Home form has been very good and trends show Spurs are undefeated in their last six home Premier League matches, winning five of them. There have been wins over Watford, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town.
Trends show Spurs have scored 2 or more goals in four of their last six home Premier League games.
Brighton picked up what could prove to be a crucial point at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday as they held out for a 0-0 draw at Molineux. That result saw them stretch their lead over Cardiff City to 3 points and if they can win this game in hand, it will become 6 points.
However, form remains a huge concern and the Seagulls have failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions. There have been four defeats and one draw in the Premier League plus the 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Brighton have won just once in their last nine away Premier League matches and have concede 2 or more goals in six of their last eight on the road. Brighton have also failed to score a goal in each of their last five Premier League games.
Team news and Spurs are without striker Harry Kane and have doubts over the fitness of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Moussa Sissoko and Erik Lamela remain doubtful.
Brighton will be without Davy Propper who was forced off against Wolves and the suspended Anthony Knockaert. Chris Hughton may need to change things in attack as Brighton search for a goal.
Spurs come into this match as the clear favourite. Despite losing to Manchester City on the weekend, they should have taken something from the game and will create the chances to score goals against a struggling Brighton team.