Preston vs Brighton Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Brighton’s march towards finally securing Premier League football has so far progressed at pace and they come into this game top of the league and in fine form. Preston are a useful side and will give them a good game but the Seagulls just seem to have that winning habit right now and certainly look the most likely victors.

Preston are sitting comfortably in mid-table but their form has been a bit mixed over the past month or two. Their last 10 games have produced 4 draws, 3 wins and 3 defeats which isn’t disastrous but does it really suggest they will topple the leaders. They’ve been pretty efficient at beating the weaker teams this year but have tended to fall just short against stronger opponents.

They’ve only recorded one win against a side currently in the top eight and the likes of Derby, Newcastle and Leeds have all found a way to win at Deepdale, which suggests Brighton just should be capable of doing likewise. Their overall home record isn’t that great either with just 1.38 points per game at home, less than they’ve managed on the road.

Here they will be up against a supremely confident Brighton side. Since losing back-to-back games in the opening month of the campaign, Brighton have gone 18 Championship matches without defeat, winning 14 of them, including all of the last 5. They’ve won 58% of their away league games this term and their improvements on the road could be the difference between securing automatic promotion and falling just short, which is what happened last year.

They were able to rest several key players in the FA Cup last weekend and still win comfortably but top scorer Glenn Murray is almost certain to return here. He ought to have benefited from the rest more than most and with 15 goals in 24 Championship appearances this term, backing Murray to score anytime at 8/5 looks a solid bet.

On current form you’d back Brighton to win home or away against the majority of sides in this league and Preston don’t do enough to convince you that they’ll be able to thwart them. Therefore, backing Brighton to win at 11/10 looks to offer value.