Match preview
Craven Cottage will host what promises to be a tight Premier League tussle on 24 January 2026 as Fulham welcome Brighton & Hove Albion. The London venue — capacity 25,700 — should provide a buoyant atmosphere for Marco Silva’s side, who sit just a point clear of the Seagulls in the table. The fixture carries the familiar feel of a close contest: Fulham occupy 11th with 31 points while Brighton are 12th on 30, and the bookmakers reflect that parity with narrow 1X2 pricing. Referee Michael Oliver will take charge, adding weight to the sense that this will be controlled and competitive rather than a wide-open shootout.
Form and key stats
Fulham arrive having shown flashes of real attacking punch in recent weeks, beating Chelsea and Middlesbrough and holding Liverpool to a draw in a run that mixes wins and stalemates. Their recent loss at Leeds on 17 January ended a sequence that underlines inconsistency but also an ability to take three points against good opposition. Fulham’s home numbers are notable: 19 goals scored at Craven Cottage versus 13 conceded, and five clean sheets at home this season — figures that argue they are difficult to break down on home turf.
Brighton’s calendar has been defined by draws: five in their last ten and a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth as their most recent outing on 19 January. They register slightly more overall shots and shots on target across the season than Fulham, but their away record shows vulnerability — 13 goals scored away to 17 conceded — which speaks to defensive lapses on the road. The two sides met earlier this season in a 1-1 draw, a reminder that chances will be shared; Jan Paul van Hecke’s 7.47 rating in Brighton’s last game and Harry Wilson’s 7.22 outing for Fulham last time highlight individuals stepping up, but neither side has dominated the other historically.
Tactical outlook and implications
This is likely to be a match decided in tight moments. Fulham’s slightly superior ability to convert opportunities at Craven Cottage, combined with Brighton’s tendency to settle for draws and their away goals conceded total, suggest the hosts will be optimistic about taking three points. Brighton do threaten on transition and set pieces, but their away defensive numbers make them susceptible to conceding at least once.
Betting suggestion
On balance, the best play from the data is a 1X2 selection for Fulham to win at the quoted 2.54. The market shows Fulham marginal favorites and that looks fair given their stronger home scoring (19 goals at home) and Brighton’s 17 away goals conceded. If you prefer to refine market approach, consider reading about the right time to place bets on goal markets to time a goals-based play, and refresh your staking approach with tips on how to have emotional control when placing bets. Remember to stake responsibly: the numbers point to value on Fulham, but this is a close matchup where a draw remains a very realistic outcome.
