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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham opens the 2025/26 Premier League football season at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST. This betting preview covers form, injuries, head-to-head stats, tactical approaches, and the latest market odds ahead of this opening weekend clash.
Match Background – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham Betting Preview
Brighton finished 11th last season under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, who succeeded Roberto De Zerbi in summer 2024. The Seagulls strengthened with Georginio Rutter (£40m from Leeds) and Yankuba Minteh (£33m from Newcastle), adding pace and creativity to their front line. Their home record in 2024/25 stood at 8W, 6D, 5L, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 1.2 conceded.
Pre-season form: 3 wins from 5, including a 2-1 over QPR, 1 draw, and a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Fulham ended last season 13th, struggling away from home (4W, 5D, 10L) and averaging 1.3 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per away match. Pre-season was mixed, with four draws in six games, including a 1-1 against Hoffenheim.
Head-to-Head & Form Guide – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham
Brighton are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Fulham (W3, D1). Notable results:
- 2-1 win (Amex Stadium, Mar 15, 2025)
- 3-2 win (Craven Cottage, Dec 14, 2024)
- 1-1 draw (Craven Cottage, Feb 3, 2024)
Three of the last five meetings saw over 2.5 goals, and both teams scored in 60% of them.
Pre-season averages:
- Brighton: 58% possession, 14 shots/game
- Fulham: 48% possession, 11 shots/game
Team News & Key Players – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham
Brighton:
- Solly March doubtful (knee injury)
- Yankuba Minteh questionable (minor knock)
- Evan Ferguson fit (6 goals in 15 starts last season)
Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Webster, Estupiñán; Baleba, Gross; Mitoma, Rutter, Welbeck; Ferguson.
Key player – Georginio Rutter: 2 goals and 3 assists in pre-season, with 2.1 successful dribbles and 1.2 key passes per game in 2024/25.
Fulham:
- Joao Palhinha suspended
- Andreas Pereira doubtful (hamstring)
Likely XI (4-3-3): Leno; Tete, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic, Cairney; Willian, Jimenez, Smith Rowe.
Key player – Emile Smith Rowe: 1 goal, 2 assists in pre-season; averaged 3 dribbles per game last season.
Odds & Betting Markets
Please note that odds are subject to change, so check Tobibet for all official odds before placing your bets.
| Market | Odds Range |
|---|---|
| Brighton Win | 1.83 – 1.94 |
| Draw | 3.60 |
| Fulham Win | 3.80 – 4.00 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.80 – 2.00 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.70 – 1.80 |
| Over 4.5 Cards | 2.10 – 2.20 |
Value Bets:
- Brighton Win & BTTS @ 4.00
- Brighton Win & Over 1.5 Goals @ 2.50
Tactical Preview & Betting Insight
Brighton’s high-press, possession-heavy style (58% average) will aim to stretch Fulham’s defence via Rutter and Mitoma. Ferguson’s movement should create space, especially with Palhinha missing.
Fulham will rely on counter-attacks through Smith Rowe and Willian, looking to exploit space behind Estupiñán. Without Palhinha, control in midfield may be an issue.
Over 2.5 goals is well-supported by past head-to-head trends and current attacking form.
Prediction & Betting Tips
Predicted Score: Brighton 3-1 Fulham
Best Bets:
- Over 2.5 Goals – 1.85
- Brighton Win – 1.90
- Rutter Anytime Scorer – 2.75
Long Shot: Brighton Win & BTTS – 4.00
Live Betting Angle: If Brighton lead 1-0 at half-time, consider over 2.5 goals.
