Southampton travel across the South Coast as they head to the Amex to face Brighton & Hove Albion in their Penultimate game of the season.
The Saints have already had relegation from the Premier League mathematically confirmed as they sit bottom of the league and nine points from safety after being beaten by Fulham last weekend.
Despite being relegated, Southampton will have the chance to claim bragging rights over the Seagulls as they travel to the Amex on Sunday.
Unfortunately, the game can be the penultimate appearance in a Southampton shirt for many players including the likes of Saints captain James Ward Prowse, as he starts to be heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s.
On the other hand, the game is crucial for Brighton as they continue to hunt down a UEFA Europa League spot in order to participate in a European competition for the first time in their history.
The Seagulls currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League with 58 points. Another three points would push Roberto De Zerbi’s side closer to qualifying for the Europa League. The Saints will be keen to get revenge on the Seagulls after losing 3-1 in their previous meeting at St Mary’s on Boxing Day.
Southampton vs Brighton: Team News and Predicted Lineups
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Tino Livramento of Southampton shoots during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton at American Express Community Stadium on April 24, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
It’s great news for Saints fans as Ruben Selles has confirmed that Southampton defender Tino Livramento is available for the first time in 13 months.
Livramento suffered an ACL injury 13 months ago when he was stretchered off against Brighton. Following the incident, the 20-year-old received surgery on his left knee and was in rehab ever since.
Over the Christmas period, Nathan Jones confirmed that the defender suffered a setback, but luckily the 20-year-old is now fit enough to feature in the first-team squad.
However, Che Adams, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Juan Larios, Romain Perraud and Mohamed Salisu are expected to be out for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Levi Colwill will be available for selection again and Joel Veltman will be back in the squad after recovering from an injury.
Seagulls’ defender Adam Webster will remain out with an injury.
Saints Predicted Lineup: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Lyanco, Maitland-Niles, Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Walcott, Armstrong S., Alcaraz, Armstrong A.
Brighton Predicted Lineup: Steele, Caicedo, Colwill, Dunk, Estupiñán, Groß, Mac Allister, Mitoma, Buonanotte, Undav, Enciso.
Saints Recent Form
Southampton 0-2 Fulham (13/05)
Nottingham Forest 4-3 Southampton (08/05)
Newcastle 3-1 Southampton (30/04)
Southampton 0-1 Bournemouth (27/04)
Arsenal 3-3 Southampton (21/04)
Brighton’s Recent Form
Newcastle 4-1 Brighton (18/05)
Arsenal 0-3 Brighton (14/05)
Brighton 1-5 Everton (08/05)
Brighton 1-0 Manchester United (04/05)
Brighton 6-0 Wolves (29/04)
Where to Watch Brighton and Hove Albion vs Saints
Kickoff: Sunday May 21st, 2pm BST
Location: The American Express Community Stadium.
TV and Streaming: In the UK the game will not be televised. In the USA it will be shown on NBC.
Prediction
Southampton have failed to pick up at least a point in their last four Premier League games and this match will most likely follow the same pattern.
A game that means a lot to Brighton but means nothing to the Saints will cause the Seagulls to implement their well-known attacking football from the start and will look to capitalise on Southampton’s very low confidence.
Brighton can score many goals in their system and will be eager to bounce back after their 4-1 loss to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday.
The Seagulls know that winning the game on Sunday will give them a huge opportunity to qualify for the Europa League for the first ever time and that will most likely spur them on against a lacklustre Saints side.
Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Southampton
