Opposition watch | Brighton & Hove Albion (WSL)
Thu 25 April 2024, 12:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton & Hove Albion are the visitors to Brisbane Road on Sunday afternoon (2pm UK) ahead of our final run-in to the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign, with only four games left to play.
Here’s everything you need to know on the Seagulls…
Form guide
The Seagulls arrive to the capital in eighth place in the WSL and have seen a change of management since we last met back in October, with Mikey Harris taking the interim role following the departure of Melissa Phillips. They have enjoyed a good run of form on the road, going unbeaten in their last three away matches, including high-scoring victories over Leicester City (3-2) – coming from behind on two occasions to win - and Bristol City (7-3), netting 10 goals in just four away games since Harris took over. However, they were narrowly beaten by Everton in their last outing in the league, with an own-goal from Guro Bergsvand securing the win for the Toffees after Tatiana Pinto grabbed an equaliser just after the hour mark.
Players to watch
Elisabeth Terland has been in fine form for the Segaulls, scoring 12 goals in her second campaign in the WSL, with only Khadjia Shaw (21) and Lauren James (13) netting more in the league so far this season. They have plenty of options in the attacking areas, with England international Katie Robinson and experienced forward Lee Geum-Min. Providing the opportunities for the Norway international is Maisie Symonds, an England Under-23 international, who has registered three assists in the WSL – more than anyone else at the club. Goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley has been an ever-present in the starting XI, featuring in all but one WSL fixture so far and has made the most saves (78) out of any other goalkeeper in the league, doing her bit behind a back four of Li Mengwen, Bergsvand, Jorelyn Carabalí and Poppy Pattinson.
WSL History
The Seagulls achieved promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League for the first time in their history in 2018. In their first campaign in England’s top tier, they finished ninth in the table and 19 points clear of the relegated Yeovil Town. After another ninth-place finish during the 2019/20 season, where the season was curtailed due to COVID-19, they secured their highest-placed finish in the WSL in the following season, ending the campaign in sixth and included a notable victory over Chelsea, which ended their run of 33 matches unbeaten in league football. Having narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing five points ahead of Reading, the Seagulls have certainly enjoyed an improved 2023/24 campaign so far.
Last time out
Goals from Martha Thomas, Grace Clinton and Ria Percival saw us come from a goal down to secure our first away win of the WSL campaign back in October as we triumphed 3-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion. Elisabeth gave the Seagulls an early lead but Martha struck on the stroke of half time, before Grace and Ria netted in the second half to secure the three points at the AMEX Stadium.
How to watch
Sunday's match will be televised live on The FA Player. You can follow the game on our women's social channels - Instagram and X - and minute-by-minute text coverage via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com. Match highlights and reaction will also be available via SPURSPLAY and tottenhamhotspur.com.
