Matthew O’Regan backs Joao Pedro to score as part of his 6/1 bet builder for Brighton vs Southampton on the Friday Night Football.
20:00 Friday
Below, Matthew has provided more detail on each part of his bet builder. At the time of writing, it was a best price 6/1 on BetMGM but shorter than 5/1 elsewhere.
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Brighton Win
Brighton have started life under Fabian Hurzeler strongly, currently sitting in fifth after just two losses from their opening 12 games.
What makes the Seagulls’ start to the season so impressive is that they have already played all of the ‘big six’ and have been riddled with injuries.
They are currently unbeaten at home and have beaten Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City already. A win against Southampton will move them up to second.
Southampton have struggled since returning to the Premier League and are bottom of the table with just four points.
Despite going into a surprise 2-1 lead against Liverpool, the Saints lost 3-2 with Russell Martin left to rue individual errors. Southampton have lost all six away games thus far and may struggle to get a result against a high-pressing Brighton side.
Joao Pedro to Score
Joao Pedro marked his return from injury with a goal and an assist off the bench in the 2-1 win over champions Manchester City just before the international break. The Brazilian was amongst the goals again, stabbing home after Kepa Arrizabalaga spilt Georginio Rutter’s long-range strike.
Brighton have won plaudits for their fluid front four, with Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck all interchangeable in front of goal. With Welbeck’s exceptional link-up play, Pedro often finds himself as the most advanced of the Seagull’s attack.
After 20 goals in his debut campaign, the 23-year-old is averaging 0.97 goals per 90 in the Premier League this season and will fancy his chances of scoring against a Southampton side with just one clean sheet to their name and the second-worst defensive record in the league.
Yasin Ayari Over 0.5 Fouls
Yasin Ayari was signed by Brighton in January 2023. After unsuccessful loan spells at Coventry and Blackburn, the 21-year-old is having a breakthrough campaign on the South Coast. Assured and technical in midfield, the Swede also displays tenacity and determination.
He averages 1.45 fouls per 90, making a foul in every start bar the 1-1 draw at the Emirates. Matt O’Riley, who prefers to be the most advanced of a midfield two, is set to replace Carlos Baleba, so expect Ayari to be the deeper midfielder. Southampton draws an average of 4.4 fouls from centre-midfielders.
Georginio Rutter Over 1.5 Fouls
Eyebrows were raised when Brighton smashed their transfer record to sign Georginio Rutter from Leeds for £40m. Due to injuries in the first team, Rutter has been afforded more chances from the start and taken them with aplomb.
The 22-year-old has dazzled with his silky footwork, but it is his off-the-ball work that has adorned himself to the Albion faithful. Rutter is averaging 14.56 duels per 90 – the highest in the Brighton team. His willingness to win the ball back can sometimes see him overstep the mark, as he is averaging 2.54 fouls per 90.
The Frenchman was booked for his first foul against Bournemouth, so he was walking on a tightrope. However, in the previous three games before this, he made three, two and four fouls.
