Brighton Faces Tough Tests Against Premier League Rivals

BRIGHTON, England — Brighton & Hove Albion aims to secure vital wins against Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Arsenal in their upcoming Premier League matches. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler seeks top performances from key players like Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma, and Carlos Baleba to improve their 12th place standing in the league.

So far this season, Brighton’s key players have underperformed, contributing to only nine points in seven league matches. Despite their rocky start, Hurzeler remains hopeful that these players can regain form, especially after the summer sale of striker Joao Pedro to Chelsea.

Brighton hosts Newcastle on Saturday, a team they have historically fared well against at the Amex Stadium. Newcastle has not won any of their eight Premier League visits, with three losses and five draws. Following Newcastle, Brighton will travel to face Manchester United on October 25.

Brighton’s success against United has been impressive, with three consecutive away wins and six victories in their last seven encounters. Their trip to Arsenal will be for the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, where Brighton also has a strong record with recent matches including a 3-1 victory three years ago.

One of the driving forces behind Brighton’s strong performances has been their pressing style of play. They lead the league with 56 high turnovers and 13 resulting in shots this season, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.

Mitoma, who missed the last match against Wolverhampton due to a minor ankle injury, has previously been a crucial player against these rivals, boasting impressive statistics with goals and assists against them last season. Baleba’s development has also come into focus after being linked to a move to Manchester United, but his recent form has much to prove.

As Welbeck approaches 35, his experience will be invaluable, particularly as Brighton seeks vital points to climb the table and advance in the cup. The preliminary matchups set up an exciting challenge where Brighton’s star players must shine to continue their strong legacy against these top clubs.