Alan Shearer prediction
Alan Shearer believes it could be an interesting game at Amex Stadium. Speaking to Betfair, the former Premier League striker said:
This is tough to call. Spurs were much better and played well against Man United, battered them in the first half, even when it was 11v11. Brighton have had a little stutter in terms of their result last weekend and a couple of draws before that, playing out from the back and getting caught with the high line.
I can see plenty of goals in this one. You may see a game that's congested within 20 yards with both teams wanting to play a high line, but I'd be willing to bet that one team will score a goal from trying to play that line, and one of them will get caught out.
I’ll go for a score draw.
Bellamy backs Johnson’s decision to quit social media
Wales boss Craig Bellamy has backed Brennan Johnson’s decision to quit social media by saying “whatever makes you play better” works.
Johnson deactivated his Instagram account following abuse after Tottenham’s derby defeat to Arsenal last month and has since scored in five consecutive games for Spurs.
After his latest goal – the Europa League winner against Ferencvaros on Thursday – Spurs posted a picture on their official X account likening Johnson to Brazil great Ronaldo.
Team-mate James Maddison had shared the same image on Instagram after Johnson had opened the scoring in a 3-0 win at Manchester United last weekend.
On Johnson’s decision to leave social media, Bellamy – who has named the 23-year-old in his squad for upcoming Nations League ties against Iceland and Montenegro – said: “I believe that what you do as an individual is OK with me, with social media.
“I choose not to use it. It is a world I don’t live in. Maybe I am naive and shut off from the world. But for my players, you do what you feel is best for you – feel free. Whatever makes you play better.”
Vicario responds to critics
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will continue to brush off criticism and help Tottenham’s talented young squad stay on the right path as one of the older guys in the group.
The critics of Vicario, who has been made the club’s third vice-captain this season, were out in full flow when Spurs conceded from a set-piece against Arsenal last month, but the Italian has responded strongly with vital saves and two clean sheets ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brighton.
“I am very proud of that (new leadership role),” Vicario said. It makes me feel important in the dressing room because we are a group of very young lads, very talented lads, but sometimes you need some old guys to manage some situations inside the dressing room, to keep developing these guys and to help them do good things in and out of the pitch.
“So, very happy with that, but first of all I have to focus on my game and make sure I can perform at the top level. Criticism is part of football, you know. One day you are top, the other day you are… I can’t say the word!
“No, it is part of football and what can I do? I can’t handle (control) it, I just have to focus on what I can manage. What I can manage is part of the way of playing football.”