Brighton vs Sunderland preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

With just three points between the two sides in the upper half of the table, this match could play a key role in shaping their European hopes as the busy festive period approaches.

Brighton head into this clash hoping to bounce back after a tough spell in the league. The Seagulls have not won in their last three Premier League games (one draw, two losses), with their latest setback being a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. They currently sit 10th with 23 points from 16 matches.

Despite the dip, they have  been strong at home, losing just once in their last 16 league games at the Amex (nine wins, five draws). However, December has not been kind to them, as they have not won any of their last nine Premier League games played in this month (five draws, four losses).

Sunderland, on the other hand, continues to defy expectations. Sitting 8th with 26 points, they have  made the best top-flight start by a promoted team since 2008. They travel to Brighton full of confidence after a massive 1-0 derby win over Newcastle last weekend.

While they have been sharp at home, their away form tells a different story, with just eight points from eight matches on the road, and only one goal scored in their last three away games.

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These two sides have not  crossed paths in the league for quite some time. Historically, Brighton have had the upper hand in this fixture, especially in the Premier League, where Sunderland have only managed one win from their last six attempts (one draw, four defeats).

Brighton are dealing with a few selection headaches ahead of the weekend. Key defenders Lewis Dunk and Diego Gomez are both suspended after picking up too many yellow cards, while Carlos Baleba is unavailable due to international duty.

The injury list still includes Solly March, Stefanos Tzimas, and Adam Webster, all sidelined with knee issues. On the bright side, Kaoru Mitoma could return to the starting lineup after being on the bench in their last outing.​

Sunderland, meanwhile, get a boost with the return of Dennis Cirkin and Reinildo Mandava following short injury spells. However, they are expected to miss a few key players due to AFCON call-ups. 

That said, Wilson Isidor’s recent form, four goals so far, gives them something to lean on up front.

Brighton: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck

Sunderland: Roefs; Mukiele, Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Rigg, Xhaka, Le Fee; Isidor, Brobbey

Brighton may have turned the Amex into a fortress, but with key defenders missing and their strange December jinx still hanging over them, this one is far from a sure bet. 

With Sunderland's form, those betting on Livescorebet should not take it away for them to make an impact in this match.

Predictions: Brighton 1-1 Sunderland

Bet on both teams to score

Over 1.5 goals.