Inside track on Brighton | Annabel Bassett

Barclays Women’s Super League action returns on Sunday afternoon (3pm UK) as Brighton & Albion the visitors to Brisbane Road.

After an impressive first half of the campaign, picking up 17 points in 10 WSL games, the Seagulls have struggled to replicate that form since the turn of the year – failing to win in the league in 2025 so far.

Ahead of our encounter in the capital, we had a chat with Annabel Bassett to get a lowdown on Brighton…

How would you reflect on Brighton’s form since the turn of the year following an impressive first half of the campaign?

Annabel: “I think the past two months have been difficult for Brighton. There have been quite a few away games against tough opposition such as Liverpool and Manchester United, and Dario has admitted that in some matches his side just didn’t perform well enough, but in others he thought they were unlucky (conceding late to Liverpool and Palace).  

“What was also unfortunate was Fran Kirby’s absence, as was sidelined with a calf injury in November and has only just recently made her return to the starting XI. The midfielder has been one of the best players for the Albion this season, causing problems for every opposition and providing great link-up play with Nikita Parris and others.

“Of course, this has created a big points gap between fourth and fifth - which is where Brighton sit - but it is still a great position to be in with roughly two months remaining. Brighton is also the only side to remain unbeaten at home in the WSL this season, which is an incredible achievement. With the impressive display against Chelsea recently, I’m sure the fans will be hoping the side have gained some much needed confidence, and can now turn a corner.”

Who have been the standout players so far in this campaign?

Annabel: “Kirby has impacted the majority of matches she has featured in with her quick link-up play, intricate dribbling and threat on goal. Against West Ham on November 16, Kirby sealed her 100th and 101^st  WSL goal involvements, demonstrating the longevity of her creative abilities.

“Nikita Parris has also been a constant threat to opposing sides this season, with her clever shielding of the ball and body feints making her hard to contain from inside the box.

“Madison Haley has also looked impressive on occasion for the Albion. In the most recent fixture against Chelsea, she received Barclays Player of the Match. Haley was relentless in her desire to challenge Chelsea’s world-class defence, of which she was successful. Haley was involved in much of Albion’s attacks and held the ball up well while under pressure.”

How has Dario Vidošić handled his first season in the WSL so far?

Annabel: “I personally think Dario has done an excellent job since arriving at the club. He always speaks confidently of his ambition to elevate the Women’s team to as high a level as he can, which aligns with the aspirations of the club owner, Tony Bloom. The players have certainly taken well to Dario’s style of play, with a potential fifth place finish demonstrating the side’s progression.

“Dario’s possession-based style of play aims for the Seagulls to be in control of their own fate. This even applies against top opposition, as Dario sticks to his style instead of opting to “sit back and hope”. With this, the centre-backs certainly see more of the ball, progressing the ball up the field and breaking opposition lines.

“Meanwhile the full-backs - such as Poppy Pattinson - advance up the pitch and then offer passing options from their promising positions. Brighton have had a lot of joy from this, beating sides such as Aston Villa, Everton and Leicester, while producing draws against Manchester United and Chelsea.

"When performances and results haven’t been as great, Dario has always assured that each game is an opportunity to compete, and defeats are part of the crucial learning process.”

With just a number of games left in the campaign, what are the targets for Brighton?

Annabel: “Although Brighton sit fifth in the WSL table, the points difference between them and eight-placed Everton is only three. Therefore, it’s crucial that the side has a strong end to the season if they wish to conclude the campaign in fifth.

“As Dario himself and the players always state, I think the key will be for Brighton to take each game as it comes. If the performances are strong, then the results will usually accompany that.

“Of course, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all stick out as tough opponents, however Brighton are at home for all three fixtures so will take confidence from their unbeaten streak.

“Their upcoming away matches against Spurs and Leicester will be challenging, but if Brighton produce a result in each then I can see them finishing fifth or sixth in the league table.”