Brighton & Hove Albion vs Sunderland Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Brighton has been a tough team to face, especially at home. Their high-pressing, ball-progression style has made them hard to beat when transitions are managed, giving them control over games even if they don’t dominate possession. However, while they are exciting going forward, their aggressive pressing and high defensive line can leave them exposed, as they have shown in recent matches. 

Across the last five games, the Seagulls won back-to-back fixtures, displaying their attacking flair against Brentford at home and Nottingham Forest away at the City Ground. The fixture against Aston Villa looked certain to be on course for a third victory in succession, but defensive lapses and high line saw them give up a two-goal advantage to eventually lose the match in the end. 

Next was West Ham, and while dominating throughout this fixture, only a point was enough to come away with after a late goal by Georginio Rutter in stoppage time salvaged a draw. The trip to face Liverpool at Anfield was always going to be a tough test, and now the focus shifts to the Black Cats, where defeat is non-negotiable. 

Sunderland have been the surprise package this season and must be given credit for the way they have been able to adapt to Premier League standards. They embrace a direct, dynamic, and flexible style of play that doesn’t necessarily aim for high possession but rather efficiency, speed, and exploiting space. While this approach has been successful, if opponents close off wide areas or control aerial duels, they tend to struggle creating meaningful opportunities, especially away from home. 
While the Black Cats find themselves in an optimistic position on the league table, the last five games have really put them to the test. A tense, narrow defeat to Fulham was followed by a victory over Bournemouth that displayed their resilience, character, and competitive nature. The draw against defending champions Liverpool exceeded expectations but again came down to their collective strength.
However, after riding this wave of confidence, Man City was next and was outplayed by City’s quality, which is nothing to be ashamed of, having played two of the best teams in the league in back-to-back fixtures. Newcastle last time out came with its own challenges, and now with full focus on Brighton, comes a chance to maintain their place in the top half of the table and perhaps even spring a surprise away from home.