There’s nothing quite like the first game of the season, is there? Brighton vs Fulham certainly isn’t a matchup that’ll light up the eyes of the neutrals; however, the opening game of the season is when hope is ignited and stars are born for the upcoming season.
Brighton ended last season strongly, winning their last 4 / 5 games (albeit the final two were against opposition that were already on their holidays). They continued that good form into pre-season with a flurry of wins against Wycombe, Stoke, Las Palmas, and Wolfsburg, and drawing to Southampton.
Fulham had similar levels of success in pre-season, beating Aberdeen, West Brom, Nottingham Forest, Al Ittihad, and Frankfurt. Between the Al Ittihad and Frankfurt games, they lost 3-2 to Sheffield United.
What have we learned this summer?
Fulham finished the Premier League season in a respectable 11th place, finishing 7 points behind the Seagulls. Barring any late business, Fulham will be entering the 2025/26 Premier League season with a near identical side to last season. Benjamin Lecomte is the only first-team signing they’ve made this summer so far.
On the other hand, the Albion’s transfer business has been well documented on here and elsewhere. Six new signings (including Tzimas despite the deal being agreed last season) and yet, all eyes will be on midfield sensation Carlos Baleba, who’s been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. Pre-season star Matt O’Riley has also been linked with a flurry of Italian sides, the most recent being Juventus.
Last season, Brighton and Fulham split their fortunes with a win and a loss apiece. A poor showing at Craven Cottage, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler watching from the stands due to a suspension, led to a 3-1 defeat. On the other hand, a close affair at the Amex was broken by Joao Pedro winning and scoring a penalty at the death of the game to secure all 3 points.
Predictions?
To conclude this preview, I’ll leave my own score prediction of a 2-1 win to Brighton. Marshal thinks Fulham will win 2-0. What do you think the score will be?
On the other hand, the Albion’s transfer business has been well documented on here, and elsewhere. Six new signings (including Tzimas despite the deal being agreed last season) and yet, all eyes will be on midfield sensation Carlos Baleba who’s been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. Pre-season star Matt O’Riley has also been linked with a flurry of Italian sides, the most recent being Juventus.
Last season, Brighton and Fulham split their fortunes with a win and a loss apiece. A poor showing at Craven Cottage, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler watching from the stands due to a suspension, led to a 3-1 defeat. On the other hand, a close affair at the Amex was broken by Joao Pedro winning, and scoring a penalty at the death of the game to secure all 3 points.
To conclude this preview, I’ll leave my own score prediction of a 2-1 win to Brighton. Marshal thinks Fulham will win 2-0.
What do you think the score will be?
