Brighton vs Wolves – News and Probable Lineups

Brighton & Hove Albion aim to bolster their chances of qualifying for European competition next season as they host the already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium this Saturday afternoon in a Premier League fixture.

The teams previously played to a draw in their October encounter at Molineux, where an own goal by Bart Verbruggen was equalized by Seagulls defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the 86th minute.

Match overview

Entering last weekend’s match against a beleaguered Newcastle United side—who had just suffered four consecutive defeats—Brighton was upbeat with a five-match unbeaten streak in the league. However, it was Newcastle who celebrated a 3-1 victory at St James’ Park.

Jack Hinshelwood’s excellent strike in the second half made for a tense ending for Brighton, who suffered their first loss since early March and currently sit in eighth in the standings. Nevertheless, they are still well-positioned for a European spot, trailing Bournemouth in sixth by just two points with three matches remaining.

Earlier in the year, a poor streak of one win in 13 matches led some Brighton supporters to call for Fabian Hurzeler’s removal, but the 33-year-old has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at the Amex (W6 D1 L2) and has recently signed a new long-term contract, as he aspires for the club to “challenge the establishment” in future seasons.

A sixth-place finish could grant Champions League entry if Aston Villa wins the Europa League and finishes fifth, prompting Brighton to capitalize on this weekend’s favorable matchup against bottom-dwelling Wolves, whom they have not lost to in their last eight encounters (W5 D3).

The Seagulls have recorded victories in their past two home fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea, scoring five goals to just one conceded. Additionally, they have only lost one of their last 16 top-flight clashes against teams in the relegation zone (W5 D10), with that sole defeat being a 4-0 loss against current Wolves manager Rob Edwards when he led Luton Town in January 2024.

Wolves are currently only playing for pride as they prepare for next season in the Championship, but their goal of avoiding finishing last is a still a significant motivation for Edwards’s squad.

The Old Gold managed to break a three-match losing streak without scoring last weekend when they drew 1-1 against mid-table Sunderland at Molineux. However, the hosts were met with boos at full time after failing to seize the opportunity of facing 10 men for over an hour, as they only managed to convert one out of their 17 attempts.

Nevertheless, Wolves are trailing fellow relegated side Burnley by just two points heading into their final three fixtures, with Saturday’s visit to Brighton followed by a home match against Fulham and a trip to Turf Moor to round off their season.

Edwards’s men head to the South Coast this weekend without a win in their last 19 Premier League away fixtures (D5 L14), with the Old Gold last experiencing a longer winless streak on the road between April 2003 and August 2004 (23 matches).

Wolves have lost only one of their last six visits to Brighton (W1 D4), but should they suffer a defeat this weekend, they would become the second team in Premier League history to lose to all 19 sides in the division in a single season, following Sheffield United in 2023-24.

Team News

For Brighton, Mats Wieffer (ankle) is expected to join Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster (both knee injuries) on the injury list after worsening his ankle issue during the defeat to Newcastle. Diego Gomez (knee), James Milner, and Solly March (both muscle issues) are also doubtful.

Joel Veltman, Maxim De Cuyper, or Ferdi Kadioglu could be in line to take Wieffer’s position at right-back, although Kadioglu might remain at left-back, while captain Lewis Dunk aims to reclaim his place in the starting XI from central defender Olivier Boscagli.

Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari are set to battle for a spot alongside Pascal Gross in central midfield, as Hinshelwood looks to find the net for a third consecutive match in an advanced position, with the 13-goal Danny Welbeck anticipated to lead the attack alongside Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma.

As for Wolves, Daniel Bentley will retain his position in goal as first-choice keeper Jose Sa remains sidelined due to an ankle injury. Sam Johnstone (shoulder) and Enso Gonzalez (knee) are also absent, while Ladislav Krejci (neck) will undergo assessment.

Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, and Toti Gomes are the prime candidates for the centre-back roles if Krejci is unfit. Wing-backs Pedro Lima and Hugo Bueno are expected to complete the back five.

Edwards may consider starting Angel Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes, with the latter potentially partnering Mateus Mane in the final third, while either Tolu Arokodare or Adam Armstrong may drop to the bench.

Brighton & Hove Albion probable starting XI:

Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu; It was, Gross; Minteh, Hinshelwood, Mitoma; Welbeck

Wolverhampton Wanderers probable starting XI:

Bentley; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Toti; Lima, J. Gomes, Andre, H. Bueno; R. Gomes, Mane; Armstrongg

Wolves are eager to avoid a lackluster exit from the Premier League and will strive to deliver a spirited performance for their travelling supporters.

However, it’s hard to overlook a win for a European-ambitious Brighton side, resolved to bounce back from their recent loss and possessing ample quality in the final third to exploit Wolves’ vulnerable defence repeatedly.