Brighton vs Leicester predictions: Seagulls look set to respond

Jack Ogalbe
Spotlight
Brendan Rodgers could not hide his frustration after a fourth successive league defeat and now faces a tricky Brighton test
Brendan Rodgers could not hide his frustration after a fourth successive league defeat and now faces a tricky Brighton test

Brighton lost for the first time this season on Tuesday as they crashed 2-1 at Fulham and will look to bounce back on Sunday at home against Leicester. 

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers made no secret of his frustration at the club's lack of transfer business in the aftermath of Thursday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, a result marking his team's fourth Premier League defeat in a row. 

All does not appear well in the East Midlands. 

In contrast, the Seagulls seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet and will be confident of getting back to winning ways. 

Team news

After dropping to the bench in midweek, it would be a huge surprise not to see Danny Welbeck come back in for the hosts. 

Graham Potter may also make the tweaks needed to squeeze Tariq Lamptey into his side, while another former Chelsea youngster in Billy Gilmour could play some part after joining on deadline day. 

Leicester kept hold of their own midfield maestro, Youri Tielemans, on Thursday but lacked spark in that defeat against United. 

Timothy Castagne always adds energy and could be recalled here, while Daniel Amartey, who scored in this fixture in 2020-21, looks set to play in central defence after the reshuffle that saw Wilfred Ndidi drop back in there in midweek. 

Expect the Nigerian to be restored in the middle of the park. 

Danny Welbeck scored in both league fixtures against Leicester last season
Danny Welbeck scored in both league fixtures against Leicester last season

The stats

Brighton won this game last season 2-1, one of just five home victories in 2021-22. 

They are currently unbeaten at the Amex in 2022-23, drawing 0-0 with Newcastle and beating Leeds 1-0. 

In contrast, Leicester have still to pick up a point on the road and even needed penalties to win at League Two Stockport in the EFL Cup. 

They do, though, have a decent record at the Amex Stadium, winning three and drawing one of their five visits there since Brighton were promoted to the Premier League in 2017. 

These two tend to put on entertaining games, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last six meetings across all competitions. 

Prediction

There are real questions to be answered at Leicester. 

They have a decent squad but their lack of summer transfer action has left them behind their former rivals, while traditionally smaller teams like Brighton have arguably surpassed them. 

With the added bonus of having an extra 48 hours to prepare, the Seagulls should have too much quality, although Foxes' fans may claim the quick turnaround is the best thing for their team. 

A player to look for could be Welbeck, who netted in both Premier League meetings last season and seems to have recaptured the form that saw him shine at Manchester United. 

His battle with former United colleague Jonny Evans will be fascinating. 

Both teams have scored in the duo's last four clashes across all competitions and it could be an exciting game. 

However, Brighton's improvement is impossible to ignore and despite their frustration at Fulham, they look a cut above Leicester.

Tags

Brighton & Hove AlbionLeicester CityPremier LeagueDanny WelbeckYouri Tielemans