Cristiano Stellini will be looking for Tottenham’s first win since Antonio Conte when they host high-flying Brighton at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday at 14:00 GMT.
Tottenham moved back into the top four with a superior goal difference over Manchester United after taking a point from Everton on Monday. They will look to strengthen their position in the top four when they host the Seagulls on Saturday.
Roberto De Zerbi and his Brighton side are just four points behind Tottenham in the table and outside the top four. They are breaking into teams looking to finish in the top four.
Brighton will look to close the gap on Tottenham to one point with a win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Key highlights
Tottenham’s inconsistent form
Tottenham have won just two of their last five league games. They have lost once and drawn twice. They are winless in their last two matches, which ended in draws against Southampton (3-3) and Everton (1-1).
Interim manager Cristian Stellini will be looking for his first win since Antonio Conte was sacked as manager at Tottenham. However, the focus will be on the team’s consistency as they look to stay in the top four.
Consistency will be key, given that the chasing pack is ready to pounce if they slip. Stellini will understand the importance of qualifying for the Champions League next season to the club’s chances of moving forward and being competitive.
Can Brighton topple the top four in the Rin-in?
Roberto De Zerbi has Brighton flying high on the table. they are sixth, four points behind the top four. The Seagulls will be dreaming of Europe as they navigate their remaining eleven fixtures, starting with a trip to North London to face Tottenham.
Brighton are confident in the way they press, play from the back, pass and put pressure on teams. Their defense is also compact and dynamic, consisting of front foot pressing and one-on-one defense.
“Zerbi” players are unbeaten in the last five league games. They have collected three wins and two draws in this run, earning eleven points and conceding just four to climb the table.
Roberto De Zerbi hopes his team can maintain confidence, energy and dynamism when they visit Tottenham; three points would move them closer to a stunning top-four finish.
Injury report
Tottenham
Tottenham will be without central midfielder Rodrigo Bentancourt (cruciate ligament tear) and central midfielder Yves Bissouma (broken ankle) for the home game against Brighton.
Brighton
Brighton will be without attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento (fractured metatarsal) and central midfielder Jakub Moder (torn cruciate ligament) for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham.
Possible lineups
Tottenham
H. Lloris; C. Lenglet, E. Dier, C. Romero; I. Perisic, P. Hojbjerg, O. Skipp, P. Porro; H. Son, D. Kulusevsky; H. Kane
Brighton
J. Steele; P. Estupinan, L. Dunk, A. Webster, J. Veltman; M. Caicedo, P. Grob; K. Mitoma, A. McAllister, S. March; E. Ferguson
Prediction
Tottenham will look to play on the front foot at home and gain early possession. They will press and try to get Brighton on the back foot. They will use their full-backs to stretch the pitch and create opportunities for their players to occupy central positions.
Brighton will soak up Earl’s pressure and grow into the game with their passing and direct attacking moves.
A draw is the likely outcome in this match given the form of both teams.
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