Opposition watch | Brighton vs Spurs (Women's Super League)

We make the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on matchday three of the new Barclays Women's Super League season this Sunday (kick-off 4pm UK).

Here's a look at what we can expect to see of the Seagulls...

Form

It has been somewhat a mixed start to the season for Brighton this term in the WSL. On the opening day of the campaign, they made a lightning start to the season, opening their account within three minutes away at Everton before doubling it on 14 minutes. Yet, despite that strong start, they came under the cosh after that with the Toffees dominating proceedings on Merseyside. Megan Finnigan did halve the Seagulls lead on 65 minutes, but Brighton managed to hang on for the three points.

The script was then almost flipped on its head come their second outing of the campaign as they hosted West Ham at the Broadfield Stadium. This time it was the Seagulls that perhaps shaded the game, but that didn't reflect on the scoreline as two mistakes at the back saw the Hammers strike twice and take a 2-0 win.

The south coast side will be buoyed though by a strong start to their Conti Cup group stage campaign as they ran out 3-0 winners over Birmingham City on Wednesday (11 October).

Players to watch

Vicky Losada is the stand out name on the Brighton team sheet. A midfielder with a wealth of experience, Losada arrived on the south coast with a stellar CV this summer having won 22 major honours with Barcelona, including the Champions League, while she is a double FA Cup and League Cup winner across her spells with Arsenal and Manchester City. With 67 international caps for Spain, she was appointed the Seagulls' skipper this summer too.

Pauline Bremer is another new signing for Brighton this summer who has enjoyed a glittering career. Having represented the likes of Wolfsburg, Lyon and Manchester City, she has won 20 major honours which includes two Champions League crowns. A Germany international, Bremer usually operates as a forward but has lined up in midfield for the Seagulls so far this campaign.

Striker Elisabeth Terland has been Brighton's goal-getter in the league this term having bagged both of their efforts so far - both coming in the opening 14 minutes of their 2-1 win over Everton on the opening weeked.

Left-back Poppy Pattinson is a bright prospect Seagulls' ranks. Just 22-years-old, the Sunderland-born defender, is well on her way to a century of a appearances in the Women's Super League and was nominated for the Women's Young Player of the Season in 2022/23.

Manager - Melissa Phillips

Having parachuted in to Brighton last season to save the Seagulls from the drop, American coach Melissa Phillips is looking to build on securing safety to last season and reestablish the south coast side as one of the progressive Women's Super League sides. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Phillips had spent her entire coaching career in the USA prior to joining London City Lionesses as assistant to Lisa Fallon in May, 2020. Within five months, she had taken charge of the side and enjoyed quite the spell in that role, leading London City to a 6th placed and then a second-placed finish in the Women's Championship before taking the decision to return to the United States midway through the 2022/23 season, despite London City sitting top of the table.

Returning to England in April to rescue Brighton from relegation, Phillips helped the Seagulls to take seven points from their final seven games to lift them off the bottom and stave off the drop by five points.

Last time we met

Our last trip to the Broadfield Stadium is not one that is easily forgotten as we recorded our best-ever Women's Super League victory, running out 8-0 winners. Molly Bartrip and Nikola Karczewska got us off the the perfect start as we led 2-0 within 20 minutes, but the Ashley Neville, Drew Spence and Jess Naz all got involved in the act, each adding a brace.

How to follow

Sunday's match will be screened live via 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 this website.