A third ante-post play of the week for Racing analyst Will Smith is a 1-star * 8/1 EW bet in the River Don Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster on Saturday.
Date of Tips: 21/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (16:06 21/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Fulham FC
v Brighton & Hove Albion FC 
Craven Cottage
Premier League Matchday 23
24-01-2026 15:00
Fulham Form
Brighton Hove Form
Saturday afternoon football by the river. Fulham host Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24th, kick-off at 3pm UK time, and this game feels important for both sides. This Fulham vs Brighton prediction looks properly balanced too. Mid-table neighbours. Similar ambitions. Plenty riding on momentum. We’ll get into the team news, likely lineups, and offer up some smart betting angles.
Let’s start with Fulham. Marco Silva has a squad that can look sharp one week and frustrating the next. Rodrigo Muniz remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. The Brazilian striker has been a useful option when fit, but he’s not expected back until mid-February. That leaves Raul Jimenez leading the line again. Experience-wise, you won’t find many better. He’s been around the Premier League block and knows how to occupy centre-backs.
Emile Smith Rowe picked up a knock in the last match and will be assessed. The former Arsenal midfielder plays a key role between the lines when fit. Harry Wilson, one of Fulham’s main attacking outlets, continues to shoulder creative responsibility. He’s also often the one trusted over dead balls, especially from wide free-kick areas.
Ryan Sessegnon’s story is worth mentioning too. Back at his boyhood club after a tough spell at Tottenham, and playing with freedom again in the Premier League. His pace gives Fulham width and he’s another who can take set pieces when Wilson isn’t involved.
Brighton arrive with their own selection headaches. Fabian Hürzeler, one of the youngest managers in the league, has already shown he’s tactically brave. Brighton are still missing a few bodies. Yankuba Minteh has been out with a knee issue, though there’s a chance he could return here.
Danny Welbeck continues to lead the line. At 35, he’s the senior figure in this Brighton squad and still playing Premier League football week in, week out. He’s often the first-choice penalty taker when he’s on the pitch. Kaoru Mitoma remains Brighton’s biggest threat out wide. The Japanese international is direct, fearless, and usually the one defenders worry about.
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Lukic, Berge, Sessegnon, Wilson, Smith Rowe; Jimenez
Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Verbruggen; van Hecke, Kadioglu, Dunk, De Cuyper, Ayari, Hinshelwood, Groß, Gomez, Mitoma; Welbeck
Both teams are comfortable building attacks through wide areas. Fulham rely heavily on Robinson and Sessegnon pushing on, while Brighton’s threat comes from Mitoma and overlapping full-backs. That naturally opens space. If you’re browsing BTTS tips, this game fits the profile nicely without needing anything wild to happen.
This feels like a proper Premier League chess match. Fulham will want the ball. Brighton will let them have it and wait. The key difference might be how clinical Fulham are this time around. They dominated stretches against Leeds and came away empty-handed. That usually doesn’t happen twice in a row at home.
Brighton are dangerous, no doubt. Mitoma on the break can change a game in seconds. Welbeck’s movement still causes problems. But Fulham look slightly better equipped across the pitch right now, especially with the home crowd behind them.
Match Prediction: Fulham to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re thinking in terms of scorelines, this doesn’t scream goal-fest, but it doesn’t look cagey either. A one-goal margin makes sense. Something like a 2-1 home win fits the flow for this matchup.
Correct Score Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Brighton. Bet with bet365.
Over two goals feels realistic without pushing things too far. Both teams have enough attacking quality, and neither defence has been watertight all season. At the same time, it’s hard to see this running away into a four or five-goal shootout.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A simple builder works best here. Fulham to avoid defeat. Both teams to score. And a steady number of goals rather than anything extreme. Nothing fancy. Just aligning with how these two usually play.
Bet Builder Tip: Fulham to win, over 2.5 cards, and Harry Wilson to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Fulham have a slight edge at home, but it’s expected to be close.
Kick-off is at 3pm UK time on Saturday, January 24th.
The match takes place at Craven Cottage in London.
This fixture is part of the Premier League season.