Verdict: Brighton win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to mount their own respective European charges this season, Brighton and Fulham will open the 2025/26 campaign when they meet at the Amex on Saturday afternoon.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, while Brighton might have eventually fallen short in the race to book another famous European adventure, the Seagulls certainly signed off the 2024/25 campaign in the midst of a real flurry. Storming their way to a sensational 4-1 romp away at Tottenham on the final weekend, Fabian Hurzeler’s side won all of their final three Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 9-3. Likewise, the former St. Pauli boss saw his European contenders put 13 points on the board from their final five top-flight showdowns. Enjoying what was an eye-catching run during their summer preparations, Brighton will be looking to lay down an early statement on Saturday afternoon and should be backed by a vocal home support at the Amex.
Brighton Team News
Still dealing with a recent knee injury and not making a single appearance over the summer, Brighton will once again be without former Chelsea youngster Tariq Lamptey this weekend. Completing a permanent switch from Club Brugge last month, Belgium international Maxim De Cuyper will make his Premier League debut here.
Despite continued speculation over a blockbuster move to Manchester United this summer, Carlos Baleba will start in the middle of the park. Watching Joao Pedro complete a switch to Chelsea last month, ex-Leeds talisman Georgino Rutter should lead the line on Saturday.
Fulham
As for the visitors, while Fulham might have opened 2025 at the heart of their own European scrap, the Cottagers largely limped their way over the finishing line back in May. Signing off last season with a routine 2-0 defeat at home against Manchester City, it has been suggested that Marco Silva is growing frustrated in west London. Losing three of their final four Premier League appearances, Saturday’s guests know the importance of finding some crucial stability this time around. Likewise, along with watching their FA Cup adventure come to a thumping end of March 29th as they fell to a 3-0 drumming against Crystal Palace at Wembley, Fulham also lost seven of their final 10 showdowns across all competitions after returning from March’s international break.
Fulham Team News
Undergoing knee surgery back in May and not making a single appearance during Fulham’s summer preparations, Silva has already confirmed that USA international Antonee Robinson will miss out on Saturday afternoon. However, aside from the former Wigan youngster, Fulham have reported a clean bill of health.
Claiming Fulham’s Golden Boot last season after registering 12 Premier League strikes, ex-Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will lead the line here. Eventually signing a new deal in west London last month, Dutch defender Kenny Tete will start at right-back.
Brighton vs Fulham Key Factors to Consider
- When Brighton and Fulham last met back on March 8th, the Seagulls collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- Brighton registered 13 points from their final five Premier League appearances last season.
- Fulham lost seven of their 10 matchups across all competitions after returning from March’s international break.
- Including their FA Cup semi-final defeat at Wembley on March 29th, The Cottagers also lost five of their final six showdowns away from Craven Cottage.
- The last three Premier League meetings between Brighton and Fulham have produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Signing off last season in the midst of what was a sensational purple patch and mustering 13 points from their final five Premier League appearances, Brighton will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to the summer break. Last seen in top-flight action storming their way to a sensational 4-1 romp away at Tottenham on May 25th, the Seagulls should also be excited by their most recent showdown against Saturday’s guests. Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Fulham to the Amex back on March 8th, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Brighton win
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
