Tottenham Hotspur arrive at the Amex Stadium this Saturday afternoon riding a wave of confidence, fresh from a midweek European triumph and seeking to complete a perfect seven-day stretch with a third consecutive victory across all competitions. Their 1–0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League League Phase opener, albeit courtesy of an early own goal, was emblematic of a new tactical identity under Thomas Frank—one that prioritizes defensive solidity over the relentless attacking ethos of the Ange Postecoglou era. With back-to-back clean sheets and a growing sense of cohesion, Spurs now turn their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion, a side that has become something of a bogey team in recent seasons.
The scars of last season’s encounters with the Seagulls are still fresh for Tottenham. Brighton not only completed the double over them, winning 3–2 at the Amex and 4–1 in North London, but did so with a swagger and ruthlessness that exposed Spurs’ vulnerabilities. Seven goals conceded across two fixtures was a damning indictment of their defensive frailty, and it’s no surprise that revenge will be a motivating factor this weekend. Frank, who has already begun to reshape the team’s defensive structure, will be acutely aware of the psychological edge Brighton hold and will look to neutralize it with tactical discipline and controlled aggression.
Brighton, for their part, enter the fixture with mixed emotions. Their 2–1 victory over Manchester City before the international break was a statement of intent, a reminder of their capacity to punch above their weight and disrupt the Premier League’s established order. Yet that momentum was abruptly halted last weekend with a disappointing defeat by the same scoreline at Bournemouth. Kaoru Mitoma’s first goal of the season briefly restored parity, but a clumsy challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke gifted the hosts a penalty, which Antoine Semenyo converted to seal Brighton’s second loss in four league games. Manager Fabian Hurzeler, marking his 50th game in charge, expressed frustration at the result, lamenting his side’s inability to convert dominance into points.
Despite the setback, Brighton remain formidable at home. The Amex has become a fortress of sorts, with the Seagulls losing just one of their last ten Premier League matches in front of their own supporters (W6 D3). They are unbeaten in their last six on home soil (W3 D3) since a 3–0 defeat to Aston Villa in April, and their recent record against Tottenham is particularly encouraging. Three wins in their last four league meetings, including last season’s double, represent their best-ever run against the North Londoners. The psychological advantage, coupled with home support, gives Hurzeler’s men a platform from which to launch another upset.
Tottenham’s recent form suggests they are ready to meet that challenge. After suffering their first defeat under Frank against Bournemouth prior to the international break, Spurs responded with conviction. A 3–0 away win over 10-man West Ham showcased their attacking efficiency and defensive organization, while the narrow victory over Villarreal highlighted their ability to grind out results in high-pressure European fixtures. Frank’s emphasis on defensive structure has yielded immediate dividends—Tottenham have conceded just one goal in 450 minutes of competitive football this season and have yet to allow a shot on target in their last outing. It’s a stark contrast to the freewheeling, high-risk approach of Postecoglou, and one that appears to be resonating with the squad.
Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League table, and their away form has been particularly impressive. Two wins from two on the road, with an aggregate score of 5–0, suggest a newfound resilience and tactical maturity. Not since November 2020 under Jose Mourinho have they won three consecutive league matches away from home, and a victory at the Amex would equal that feat. However, history cautions against complacency—Tottenham have lost on each of their last two visits to Brighton and have never suffered three consecutive away defeats to the Seagulls. Frank’s personal record against Brighton is more encouraging, with just one loss in his last six meetings (W2 D3) while managing Brentford, though he did lose his first two encounters in the 2021–22 season.
Injuries could play a decisive role in shaping the contest. Brighton’s defeat at Bournemouth was compounded by the loss of Jack Hinshelwood (ankle) and Maxin De Cuyper (knee) in the first half. Hinshelwood joins Adam Webster and Solly March on the sidelines, while De Cuyper remains a doubt alongside Mats Wieffer (knee) and Diego Gomez (illness). If De Cuyper is unavailable, Ferdi Kadioglu is expected to start at left-back, forming a back four with Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Joel Veltman. In midfield, Carlos Baleba or Yasin Ayari will likely replace Hinshelwood, adding energy and ball progression to a unit that will need to be both combative and creative.
Brighton’s attacking quartet remains potent. Yankuba Minteh, who boasts the highest take-on success rate among Premier League players with 10 or more attempts (65%), will continue to provide width and directness. Mitoma, fresh off his first goal of the campaign, adds unpredictability and flair, while Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck offer movement and physicality in the final third. The challenge for Brighton will be breaking down a Tottenham side that has become increasingly difficult to penetrate, especially with Frank’s emphasis on compactness and transitional control.
Tottenham’s injury list is equally significant. Dominic Solanke is making progress in his recovery from an ankle injury but remains unavailable for Saturday’s clash. Yves Bissouma (knock), Kota Takai (foot), James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragusin (all knee) are also sidelined, limiting Frank’s options in key areas. Nevertheless, the squad retains depth and versatility. Destiny Udogie is back fit and could start at left-back ahead of Djed Spence, while Joao Palhinha will be pushing for a return to the starting XI in place of Rodrigo Bentancur, offering defensive steel and distribution from deep.
The battle for the centre-forward spot is one of intrigue. Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and Randal Kolo Muani are all in contention, with the Brazilian likely to get the nod given his recent form and physical presence. He could be flanked by Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, both of whom bring creativity and dynamism to the attack. Brennan Johnson, who scored in an away defeat to Brighton last season, is also in line for a recall and could feature on either wing, adding pace and directness to Spurs’ transitional play.
Tactically, the match promises to be a fascinating contest. Brighton’s possession-based approach under Hurzeler emphasizes verticality and fluidity, with full-backs pushing high and midfielders rotating positions to create overloads. Their ability to stretch the pitch and isolate defenders in wide areas has been a hallmark of their success, but it also leaves them vulnerable to counters—something Tottenham are well-equipped to exploit. Frank’s Spurs are more measured in possession, preferring to build through the thirds and strike with precision rather than volume. Their defensive shape, often a 4-2-3-1 out of possession, allows them to absorb pressure and spring attacks through the channels.
Set-pieces could be a key battleground. Brighton have scored 41% of their Premier League goals this season from non-penalty set plays (13/32), the highest ratio in the division. Their ability to capitalize on dead-ball situations, particularly with Dunk and Van Hecke in the box, gives them a distinct edge. Tottenham, by contrast, have scored just 6% of their goals from such scenarios (4/69), the lowest share in the league. While Spurs may not rely on set-pieces, their defensive organization will be tested, especially given Brighton’s proficiency in this area.
The psychological dimension cannot be ignored. For Brighton, the opportunity to extend their dominance over Tottenham and climb the table is a powerful motivator. Hurzeler’s side, despite recent setbacks, remain confident and cohesive, and the Amex crowd will provide a formidable backdrop. For Spurs, the match represents a chance to exorcise past demons, consolidate their position in the top four, and continue their evolution under Frank. The manager’s calm demeanor and tactical clarity have already begun to reshape the team’s identity, and a win at Brighton would be a significant milestone in that journey.
As kickoff approaches, the stakes are clear. Brighton need a result to reignite their campaign and validate their tactical approach, while Tottenham are chasing consistency, redemption, and momentum. The clash at the Amex is more than just a Premier League fixture—it’s a litmus test for two evolving sides, each with ambitions that stretch beyond the confines of the table. Whether it’s Mitoma’s magic, Richarlison’s grit, or Frank’s tactical nous, the match promises drama, intensity, and moments that could define the trajectory of both clubs in the weeks to come.
