It’s been a nervy summer for Brighton fans, with some of England’s biggest clubs targeting the Seagulls in the summer transfer window.
With Yves Bissouma at Tottenham and Manchester City in hot pursuit of Marc Cucurella, we could see a much-changed Brighton on the opening weekend.
Still, clear sports betting favourites to avoid a relegation scrap in 2022/23, Brighton have the right man in charge in Graham Potter and he can lead the club to safety.
This will be Brighton’s sixth season in the Premier League and supporters will be hoping that their experience and nous is enough to scupper any serious relegation worries.
Smart Investment Required
If Brighton lose Cucurella before the end of the summer window, the Seagulls simply cannot afford to ignore his departure. Re-investing that money is essential.
With the club rejecting City’s initial advance of £30 million, we are likely to see another bid from Pep Guardiola’s side and Brighton should start preparing for life without him.
Undoubtedly one of the most talented players at the club, Cucurella will be sorely missed but he is replaceable and I’d trust Potter to target the right player to fill his shoes.
Brighton have invested primarily in young players this summer but an experienced defender wouldn’t go amiss if the Spaniard moves to the Etihad Stadium.
Potter – Future England Manager?
The former Swansea City boss has done a terrific job since taking over at Brighton and many have labelled him as the next England manager after Gareth Southgate.
Brighton have climbed the football prediction rankings over the past few years and there is no doubt that the Seagulls are one of the best teams to watch in the Premier League.
With their attacking brand of football and emphasis on working hard off the ball, Brighton are just a couple of players off cementing their status as a top half team.
The club finished ninth in the 2021/22 Premier League and Potter will do his own credentials no harm whatsoever if Brighton can repeat that performance this season.
How Can Brighton Improve?
Brighton accrued more points away from home than at the Amex Stadium last season and that is one area where Potter will be demanding improvement.
The Seagulls lost just four of their 19 away league games in 2021/22 – an excellent feat to say the least and a repeat of that record should be enough to clinch a top half finish.
But if Brighton are intending to challenge for eighth or even seventh, they must improve in front of their home fans. 19 goals in 19 games and 22 points from 57 isn’t good enough.
Premier League odds for Brighton to win matches will be shorter than in 2021/22 but fans should consider whether the Seagulls are home or away based on last year’s record.
Brighton Prediction For 2022/23:
Neil Maupay and Leandro Trossard notched eight goals apiece last term and Brighton fans will be hoping that one of their attacking stars can hit double figures this time around.
With Potter at the helm, Brighton should be more concerned with a top half battle than a relegation fight – and that is reflected in Premier League predictions for 2022/23.
One of the most likeable teams in England’s top flight, I’m banking on Potter working his magic in the absence of Bissouma and Cucurella and Brighton should be just fine.
Brighton Premier League prediction: Top half finish
