Tottenham welcome Brighton to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the opening Boxing Day clash, as both teams look to put defeats behind them with a win here.
Spurs will temporarily go fifth with victory whilst Brighton could move above Crystal Palace into 12th position for at least a few hours.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesSon Heung-Min is suspended for Tottenham as he begins a three match ban, following his sending off for a late challenge on Antonio Rudiger.
Erik Lamela however could feature after resuming training on Monday following a lengthy hamstring injury.
Hugo Lloris (elbow) and Ben Davies (ankle) are still sidelined.
Brighton have no fresh injury concerns as Solly March nears a return from a groin injury.
Jose Izquierdo remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Stat Attack
- Tottenham have lost just one of their last five league meetings with Brighton (W3, D1, L1).
- In 12 previous away league trips to Tottenham, Brighton have won just once – winning 1-0 in October 1981 (W1, D5, L6).
- Tottenham have never lost consecutive games to Brighton in all competitions.
- Lewis Dunk and Dale Stephens have made the joint most interceptions this season for Brighton, intercepting possession on 31 occasions each.
- Two of Harry Kane’s nine league goals for Tottenham this season have come from outside the box.
Prediction
Tottenham worry me because they were lethargic on Sunday against an organised Chelsea team, which isn’t a good sign coming into this fixture because Brighton are not only organised but have a brilliant passing game.
The early stages will therefore be crucial if Spurs are to win this otherwise Brighton will impose their plan and I can see them getting a similar win akin to how they beat Arsenal earlier this month, if they get the upper hand.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Brighton
Result: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Brighton
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