On Friday, 27 December, in the eighteenth round Brighton will play against Brentford. Both teams started the season well and at one point even claimed to be in the top four, but December has been difficult for the clubs - now the teams are relegated to the mid-table.

"Seagulls" do not win at a distance of five games. The club has surprisingly encountered difficulties precisely in meetings with the middles and outsiders. Fabian Hürzelera's wards managed not to beat Southampton at home. That was the start of all the troubles, followed by a disappointing away trip to Fulham, Leicester, a defeat to Crystal Palace and a draw with West Ham.

Brighton's attacking performance has slipped a lot. The club is only in the fourteenth position in terms of chances created. But the defense is in another trouble: the team conceded three goals more than expected according to the advanced xG table. So here we can complain about bad luck.

Another reason is eight injuries. In particular, Danny Welbeck is out. This is a very serious loss, considering the eight productive actions of the veteran.

Brentford have a similar sad streak of matches: three points in four meetings, and they are also out of the League Cup. Thomas Franck's wards have long surprised with an anomaly at home and away: on their own field they did not lose, but on the foreign field they scored only one point. The home successful series was interrupted in the last match against Nottingham. Away, however, is still a complete disaster. The team has the worst statistics in the APL and claims a European anti-record in the top leagues.

Unfortunately, Brentford's slump is also not least due to injuries. Three key defenders Roerslev, Pinnock and Van den Berg are now listed on the medical list. Rotational player Jensen is also absent. And Thomas Franck doesn't have such a rich reserve to get through a busy stretch painlessly.

Brighton are understandably going as favourites in the line at 1.65, but the odds look too low. Obviously, the team is in crisis, and in terms of style, Brentford is uncomfortable. Previously, the rivals have played tight low-result games. In six meetings only once passed bet on the top outcome.

Bookmakers offer in the line a base total of three goals. This raises questions. Opponents on the background of fatigue and injuries can hold a cautious match. This layout is very likely. Brentford will definitely not refuse to defend a draw to take at least a second away point. It's not a very entertaining match without a big home team advantage. The underdog odds are objectively overvalued.