Oxford United vs Brighton Predictions

• Brighton have the fourth-highest xG generated in the Premier League this term
• Oxford have lost all three Championship games so far
• The visitors scored 17 times across their cup games last season, winning both of their opening ties 4-0

Brighton to get up and running

Brighton have the fourth-highest Expected Goals tally through two weekends of the Premier League, but they’ve got one point and one goal to show for it. The Seagulls have underwhelmed in the final third, but a cup visit to a Championship side is an opportunity to put things right.

The Seagulls began both of last season’s cup competitions with 4-0 victories against lower-league opposition. Fabian Hurzeler named a strong side for a 4-0 win over Crawley a year ago, so expect some familiar names to feature at the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford are struggling in the second tier with three defeats from three, so this could be an opportunity for Brighton to get their season up and running. Last season’s success for Newcastle and Crystal Palace should inspire some of the league’s ambitious sides to kick on in the cups, while Brighton’s ability to create chances against Premier League opposition should see them breeze past the Championship strugglers.

The Seagulls’ investment over the last two summer windows has left them with real squad depth, so they’re backed to win in entertaining fashion.