Analysis: This is where the game between Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur will be won and lost

This is where the game today (Sunday, November 1) between Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur will be won and lost
Brighton haven't won in their last four games in the Premier League. Photo: Getty ImagesBrighton haven't won in their last four games in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images
Brighton haven't won in their last four games in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images

Brighton go into the match looking to bounce back from two 1-1 draws in the Premier League, which came away at Crystal Palace and at home to West Bromwich Albion.

Tottenham are in good form in the league and currently sit in seventh place on 11 points, but they are only two points off second, with just three points separating second (Everton) and eleventh (Palace) place.

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An interesting stat going into this game is both teams' expected points totals (xPTS) - a metric which tells us how many points a team deserved to pick up, allowing us to understand the quality of performance rather than the final result. Brighton have an xPTS total of 9.96 points which puts them in sixth place in the 'Justice Table', and Spurs sit in fourth on 10.66 points.

Let's look at some other stats and see what we can expect from the game.

Tottenham's strengths

Spurs have multiple strengths, according to WhoScored.com, which include being 'very strong' at finishing scoring chances and counter-attacking.

They are also 'strong' at attacking set pieces, shooting from direct free-kicks, creating long shot opportunities, creating chances through individual skill and creating scoring chances.

Brighton's weaknesses

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Brighton are 'weak', according to WhoScored.com, at defending counter attacks, aerial duels and defending against long shots.

Comparison

Brighton will need to be cautious about getting caught out on a quick Tottenham counter attack, which would probably be spearheaded by the Premier League's top scorer Son Heung-Min (8), assist league leader Harry Kane (8) and the pacey Lucas Moura.

Another thing which can be taken from the stats above is Spurs' ability to attack set-pieces in comparison to Brighton's weakness at competing in aeriel duels. Thirty-three per cent (4) of Brighton's total conceded goals (12) this season have come from set-pieces or corners.

Finally, Spurs' ability to score long shots and Brighton's weakness to concede from distance is something which the Seagulls should look to combat. Ben White has been looking good in that central midfield role but he will need support to close down a combination of Son, Moura, Kane and Tanguy N'Dombele to name just a few who are deadly from range.

Brighton's Strengths

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The Seagulls' strengths, according to WhoScored.com, include being 'very strong' at creating long shot opportunities and attacking down the wings.

They are also 'strong' at stealing the ball from the opposition.

Tottenham's weaknesses

Spurs are 'weak', according to WhoScored.com, at stopping opponents from creating chances, avoiding fouling in dangerous areas and protecting a lead.

Comparison

Yves Bissouma, Leandro Trossard and Adam Lallana should all be encouraged to shoot from outside the box, given their quality; Tariq Lamptey and Solly March should look to get in behind Matt Doherty and Serge Reguilon; and Brighton's midfield should apply pressure on Spurs high up the pitch to draw fouls in dangerous areas.

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Spurs are 'weak' at protecting the lead; Brighton have scored four of their 10 goals in the league when they are one goal down, and Spurs have also conceded five goals out of eight in the final 15 minutes of games. So don't be surprised to see a Brighton comeback and a Spurs wobble late on.

Other thoughts

Neal Maupay needs to find his shooting boots that he had on in the first few games of the season. His misses against Crystal Palace and West Brom have cost Brighton points. With this being said, will Potter give Danny Welbeck the nod alongside, or over, Maupay?

Also, Graham Potter is a very dogmatic manager, in as such, he has regularly picked the same side this season, in the same formation, playing the same expansive, out-from-the-back football. Mourinho is a very pragmatic manager who picks a team to beat the opponent in front of him, and he also has some serious talent in top form at the moment.

It's going to be an open, fast-paced game, I think, with both teams going for it.

Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Brighton - based on both team's xG (expected goals) and xGA (expected goals conceded)

Scorers: Kane, Son; Maupay

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