Brighton chase Europe against a struggling Spurs side, and De Zerbi faces his former club. Can the Seagulls continue their winning insane streak?
Brighton and Hove Albion return to Premier League action with a trip back up to North London to face relegation fodder and former legendary Albion head coach, Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur.
Albion have hit fine form as they look to make a late bid for European football next season. This would make them achieve that goal for only the second time in their history. With that in mind, though, Spurs are at the total opposite end of the spectrum. They're at the bottom of the form table, compared to Albion, who are at the top.
New boss De Zerbi will also take on his former side for the first time since leaving... an added element of spice to a game that already means a lot to both sides.
Albion have won 5 of their last 6, including impressive wins against Liverpool and most recently, Burnley at Turf Moor.
Spurs, however, have not won at home since they beat Brentford in December, which was only their second home win of the season. The only other win was against Burnley on the opening day! Tottenham haven't been relegated since 1977, but now face a genuine chance of it. Their form is abysmal, and it appears as though many players are close to downing tools towards the end of the season.
They lack a lot of quality, too. De Zerbi alluded to Mo Kudus helping to save their season, who is now injured and will not play again this season! Kudus was almost signed by Brighton under De Zerbi in 2024.
Regardless, Albion know De Zerbi a little too well. When he first took over the Seagulls, he didn't actually manage a win in his first five games, as many players struggled to get to grips with his style of play. As we all know, what came next was nothing short of miraculous, but whether that can be recreated in a lowly Spurs side before the end of the season remains to be seen.
Albion have a significant level of attacking quality. In fact, their forward line could be likened to one of the best in the league. Kaoru Mitoma is back available to start, and Hürzeler is back on the touchline. The only issue for Albion is the lack of both James Milner and the suspended captain, Lewis Dunk.
Albion will be hoping their makeshift right-back and double goalscorer, Mats Wieffer, can continue his fine goalscoring form this weekend! Wieffer's brace last week was the first of his career and a first Brighton goal in 16 months. Ironically, two very well taken goals.
The lack of Milner could be costly, as Brighton didn't look as comfortable in possession without him. Hürzeler has found a lot of joy in his 'experienced' starting 11s, and the turn of form has coincided with it. With so much riding on this game, it could prove to be more difficult than the paper suggests.
For me, I am backing us. We should win, and will. Tottenham 0-3 Brighton.