Mark Lawrenson reveals why he's backed Brighton to beat Fulham in Premier League clash

Casting his pre-match prediction for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed the Seagulls to secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Scott Parker's side.

Justifying his scoreline choice, the ex-Republic of Ireland international claimed: "This is a big game at the bottom of the table because a Brighton win would open up a bit of distance between them and Fulham in the bottom three.

"I am going to back Brighton to take the points too.

"Fulham have been playing well without winning in recent weeks, while Brighton did not just beat Leeds in their previous league game - they more than matched them in every department and got the job done."

Conversely, Lawro's opponent for the week, TV Priest guitarist Alex Sprogis, tipped the Cottagers to claim all three points with a narrow 1-0 win, and said: "At some point Aleksandar Mitrovic has got to start scoring for Fulham and I like the look of Ademola Lookman this season.

"A tight game but I think Scott Parker's team will edge it."

The last time the two sides met, an even contest at Craven Cottage saw the two sides draw 0-0, with neither team able to put away any of their chances.

Historically, the Seagulls have a decent enough record against the West London outfit, emerging victorious in six of their last ten encounters, and losing on just two occasions in a record stretching back to 1996.