Connor Whelan has a look at a game that could be pivotal in deciding the bottom half of the table come May next year.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton admitted the money the newly promoted teams have spent will make this season more challenging than their debut campaign.
Hughton’s Seagulls face Fulham, who since gaining promotion last season, have spent £100million in transfer fees.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY:
“You’re always very wary and conscious, because I’ve seen three teams come up - two in particular have spent big money - and I think this will be a more challenging season than last season,” said Hughton.
“Every team is conscious after Stoke going down last season, West Brom going down and Swansea going down - arguably three teams we didn’t expect to get relegated.
“Everybody is wary of how difficult this league is. At the moment we’re on the back of two good performances, and what we’ve learned is that our levels have to be like that to get results."
The Brighton boss also praised Fulham’s recruitment in the summer and believes they will be a tough team to beat.
Hughton said: “They showed their quality in the last game. They’re a team that can score goals and haven't changed their style too much from last season.
“It gives them that real good continuity in everything that they do, and you know the type of game they want to play. I’ve been impressed with their signings and they’ve been very good value.”
TEAM NEWS:
Hughton confirmed that Florin Andone and Jose Izquierdo remain sidelined until after the international break, with Lewis Dunk and Bruno both facing late fitness tests.
For Fulham, club captain Tom Cairney and summer signing Alfie Mawson may be fit for the weekend after both missing games due to injury.
STATS:
Brighton have not lost at home in the league since March and have not lost to Fulham since November 2014.
Fulham lost their first two games of the season but defeated Burnley 4-2 at Craven Cottage last weekend.
BETTING ODDS:
Brighton are favourites to win at 23/20, with a draw at 12/5 and a Fulham win at 9/4.
Joint-favourite first goal-scorers are Glenn Murray and Aleksandar Mitrovic at 5/1.
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