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What a week it has been for Brighton.

After a six-game unbeaten league run, Graham Potter’s side have lost their last two, though both rank among the most undeserved defeats of the season.


Kick-off time: Saturday, 20:00 GMT

TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League


Based on the quality of chances created by both teams, we calculate that the Seagulls had a 91% chance of beating Crystal Palace and an 85% chance of winning at West Brom.

They were as dominant in those two games as any side has been in a single match all season.

Over their last three matches they have collected just a point, but have accumulated 8.2 expected points (xP).


What is expected points (xP)?

  • Expected points (xP) is the calculation of the number of points we would expect each team to collect based on chances created and conceded in each game, using Brighton 1-2 Palace as an example:
    • We calculated a home win as having a 91% chance, a draw 7%, and an away win 2%
    • Brighton earned 2.8 xP from 0.91 x 3 (three points for a win) + 0.07 x 1 (one point for the draw)
    • Palace earned 0.13 xP from 0.02 x 3 + 0.07

Performances remain incredibly strong from Brighton, and the premise of expected goals (xG) is that results will regress to an expected level eventually.

If they keep doing what they are doing in terms of chance creation and limitation – which has them based on performance – then they should avoid relegation again this term.


Click here to read more about Brighton's underperformance this season


Data shows Brighton's performances have been excellent at home

Some of you may look at the prices and need a second glance given that fifth-bottom Brighton are generally 8/5 favourites to beat a Leicester team sitting third in the Premier League table.

You may be even more sceptical given the Seagulls have won just one of 13 home games, but their xG process at the Amex has been sensational.

Only Manchester City (+20.4) have a better expected goal difference (xGD) at home this season than Brighton (+15.8), and the champions-elect are the only side to have accumulated more xP than Potter’s side this term.

Not only are they creating chances at an excellent rate, but the Seagulls have been strong defensively of late, allowing just 0.69 xGA per game over their last eight, so should be able to keep Leicester at bay in a narrow home win.


Brighton v Leicester best bets and score prediction

  • Brighton to win at 13/8 (Betfair)

Score prediction: Brighton 1-0 Leicester ()

Odds correct at 0945 GMT (05/03/21)


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