Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brighton & Hove Albion side 20/04/19

20 April 2019

The Europa League promotion contenders and the Premier League relegation fighters go head-to-head at the Molineux Stadium as Wolverhampton Wanderers tackle a vulnerable Brighton & Hove Albion side.

A sudden drop-off in form has seen the hosts pull off just one triumph in their last four PL fixtures (W1, D1, L2) as they currently share 7th place with Leicester City although holding one game in hand. Although they have not enjoyed the best of times recently, the returnees have been impressive at home, securing seven wins in their last eight home clashes across all competitions (W7, D1). Notably, all seven of Wolves’ wins in that period have seen them score 2+ match goals while keeping a clean sheet twice during the run. Although it’s hard to expect Wolverhampton to lose here, it’s interesting that four of their five PL home defeats have ended with the identical 2-0 scoreline against their favor. Even though four of Wolverhampton’s previous five competitive games have featured over 2.5 goals, this game would hardly offer similar output considering all eight of Wolves’ previous H2Hs with Brighton have produced less than three goals.

On the other hand, a disastrous haul of zero points from their last four PL fixtures sees the visitors’ chances of prolonging their top-flight status dropped considerably. Sitting just two points clear of the relegation territory, the Seagulls have to come up with something special to win here. Brighton’s defensive frailties that have seen them concede at least one goal in all 11 of their previous PL away games could be Chris Hughton’s main problem. What’s more, the Seagulls have allowed 2+ match goals in six of their last seven PL road meetings, as their tally of 30 goals conceded in 16 PL away fixtures remains league’s fifth joint-worst. Additionally, all three of Brighton’s PL away wins have come against teams from the bottom half of the table, with Hughton’s men losing all seven road H2Hs with PL’s top-ten teams.