Mark Lawrenson discusses Brighton & Hove Albion's 'problem' & makes Southampton score prediction

Brighton & Hove Albion's attempt to steer clear of the relegation battle continues this weekend, when they take on Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson's Southampton vs Brighton predictionMark Lawrenson's Southampton vs Brighton prediction
Mark Lawrenson's Southampton vs Brighton prediction

In his weekly predictions piece for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson tipped the two teams to play out a 1-1 draw.

Explaining his choice, the ex-Liverpool star claimed: "For the first 15 minutes against Manchester City on Wednesday, Southampton played like they were the Pep Guardiola side. They were fabulous.

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“It didn't last though. Once you get past their high press, Saints seem to have a soft centre, and they seem to concede a lot of goals.”

He continued: “Brighton's problem is at the other end of the pitch and, despite some decent performances, their run of results has left them in the thick of the relegation battle.

“They will feel their performances have deserved far more than their haul of only two points from their past five league games, but maybe it is time for their boss Graham Potter to say 'let's just make sure of getting a draw' to stop the rot.

“The Seagulls have never beaten Saints in the Premier League, and I don't think that will change here, but they are good enough to get something out of it.”

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Meanwhile, actor Frank Harper, Lawro's sparring partner for the week, went for a 1-1 draw.

The last time the two sides faced each other, back in December, Danny Ings secured all three points for the Saints, sinking an 81st minute penalty to earn his side a 2-1 win at the AMEX.