Brighton v Leicester Preview

Posted on | February 4, 2012 | No Comments

Expectations for both of these sides were completely contrasting at the start of the season, with newly-promoted Brighton tipped to struggle while big-spending Leicester were seen as clear favourites for the title. With that, the league table is simply unbelievable to look at, with Brighton sat several places higher than their opponents in 11th as Leicester occupy 13th.

Having started the season frantically, some people thought that Brighton could surprise all and launch a serious bid for a second successive promotion. However, their form did tail off and on current viewing, it looks as though Gus Poyet’s men will have to be contempt with a mid-table position. Of course, the more optimistic Brighton supporters may be looking towards a top six place, with the Seagulls currently sat just four points away from the playoffs. There is no doubt that confidence at the Falmer Stadium is sure to be high at the moment, with the club putting together a superb run through January that saw them remain unbeaten. Having also won five games through that period, it could be said that supporters have every right to be optimistic and they should be looking at the top places as we enter the final few months of the season.

Leicester on the other hand have raised more than their fair share of eyebrows this season, with everybody gobsmacked at the way their multi-million pound stars just haven’t clicked. If there ever was a case of money failing to buy success, this is it, with the Foxes nowhere near the promotion picture as seven points keep them away from the top six. It has to be said that the club’s form has improved slightly over recent weeks, with the King Power Stadium outfit losing just one of their last eight games. Some supporters may also be encouraged by the fact that Nigel Pearson’s men have managed to take four points off high flying Middlesbrough and Southampton over the last couple of weeks.

There’s plenty of good news to report for Brighton ahead of this clash, with Gus Poyet first having to decide whether or not to hand starts to new signings Gonzalo Jara Reyes and Joe Mattock. Poyet will also be able to select both Kazenga LuaLua and Mauricio Taricco after they recovered from spells on the treatment table. Leicester are in a similar position, with Nigel Pearson having no fresh concerns. Pearson could decide to hand debuts to new signings Wes Morgan and Ben Marshall, who both joined the club in the run up to deadline day.

As for a prediction, our tip is going to be a Leicester victory. While Brighton’s form over recent weeks has been superb, we think the Foxes are slowly improving and we expect Nigel Pearson’s men to record a narrow 1-0 victory.

Related posts:

1. Leicester v Brighton Preview
2. Bristol City v Brighton Preview
3. Brighton v Leeds Preview
4. Championship Preview – Leicester
5. Brighton v Blackpool Preview

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