Brighton vs Burnley predictions and football betting tips for this weekend’s live Championship fixture at 12.30pm on Sky Sports.
The top two in the Championship meet and with Middlesbrough in action on Friday night, this is a very important match for both teams. Brighton will want to keep the pressure on the leaders whilst Burnley will want to increase their dominance at the summit, our betting preview includes three football tips.
Brighton vs Burnley Preview
Whatever happens come the 3rd of May, both of these sides can look back on a phenomenal season. Brighton were expected by many to be languishing in the bottom half of the Championship whilst Burnley were expected to mount a bid for the play-offs.
As they reside in 1st and 2nd place in the Championship (at the time of writing), they will be happy with what they’ve achieved but they’ll be aware that the job is far from done.
Burnley lead the way after a season of consistency under Sean Dyche and look like they could bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. They weren’t entirely convincing against Wolves last time out when they were pegged back late on for a point but it was just the first time in six games that they’ve failed to collect maximum points.
Brighton have lost just once in the last eight and have been winning their home matches and picking up important wins on the road. Points away at Hull and Preston are not to be sniffed at whilst they looked very impressive in their 4-0 demolitions of Leeds and Bristol City.
Neither of these sides have a huge squad to select from, but unity has been the key. Both managers have spoken about the togetherness of their troops throughout the season and it’s showed. They’ve also been able to strengthen in key areas when injuries or suspensions have hit. Although widely regarded as a trouble-maker, Joey Barton’s influence cannot be understated at Burnley this season.
Brighton have the 3rd best home form whilst Burnley have collected the highest number of points on the road in the Championship this season, so something has to give here.
Although Burnley have spent little in comparison to Middlesbrough, they were brave enough to shell out over £6m for Andre Gray and his contribution has been praised this week by Sean Dyche. The goals provided by the former Brentford man his partner-in-crime Sam Vokes have kept Burnley competitive at the top. As a partnership they’ve hit 21 goals in the 18 matches they’ve started together.
The goals have been shared around at Brighton but Israeli striker Tomer Hemed is back fit and firing and is a huge asset to the side. Hughton can also call upon the experience of wily striker Bobby Zamora this season.
The defence has been a huge plus for Brighton in recent weeks with an ever increasingly confident Connor Goldson helping his side concede just a single goal in six matches.
Brighton v Burnley Team News
Scott Arfield returned to Burnley early from International Duty with a back complaint. The midfielder was due to face Mexico on Monday but returned to Turf Moor instead and he will be assessed ahead of this one.
The Burnley starting 11 has been fairly consistent all season and is likely to pick itself barring any last minute niggles.
Brighton recalled Elvis Manu, but he is unlikely to make an appearance here. Hughton is likely to persist with the successful centre back pairing of Lewis Dunk and Connor Goldson despite Gordon Greer playing 90 minutes in midweek for Scotland. Tomer Hemed is likely to be given the nod after his recent good form. Jiri Skalak was also in International action and is likely to continue his run in the team.
Brighton vs Burnley Predictions
This one is a very close one to call. Brighton’s home form is exceptional and they are difficult to beat at the AMEX. The stadium is expected to sell-out so there will be extra vocal support behind the team. But, Burnley are a tough nut to crack and this one could end up all square. The first of my Brighton vs Burnley predictions is for the match to end a draw. It can be backed at 21/10 with Betfair.
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With Brighton keeping such a tight backline recently and Burnley conceding just five goals in eight games, this one isn’t likely to be swimming in goals. The second of my Brighton v Burnley predictions is for Under 2.5 goals. It can be backed at 5/9 with 888Sport.
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Sam Vokes has delivered in the last couple of weeks for us and I can’t desert him now. He scored the Burnley goal against Wolves and is back from International Duty where he was praised by manager Chris Coleman. I think the Welsh striker can get on the scoresheet here. The third of my Brighton vs Burnley betting tips is for Sam Vokes to score anytime. He can be backed 14/5 with Stan James.
Brighton vs Burnley Betting Tips
Draw – get the best odds 21/10 with Betfair.
Under 2.5 goals – get the best odds 5/9 with 888Sport.
Sam Vokes – get the best odds 14/5 with Stan James.
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Jack Critchley
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