Hull v Brighton Preview

Posted on | February 22, 2012 | No Comments

With Hull and Brighton sat 8th and 9th in the table respectively, there is no doubt that both of these sides head into this game chasing a top six place. Following results on Tuesday evening, a playoff position could become a reality for Hull as early as this evening as just three points separate the Tigers from 6th position.

While Hull supporters were incredibly aggrieved at losing Nigel Pearson to Leicester several months ago, it appears as though the Tigers are now not looking back as they progress under new manager Nick Barmby. Barmby has completely rejuvenated all at the KC Stadium and while the club were sat in a modest mid-table position when Pearson departed, they now look to be serious challengers for the top six. After incurring a three game blip which saw them lose three games on the spin, Barmby’s men are now well and truly back on track as they approach this fixture having not lost in their last five. Furthermore, their form at the KC Stadium is outstanding, with the club winning five of their last seven game at home.

Brighton on the other hand also appear to have recovered from their blip, which saw the Seagulls go a couple of months without a victory. However, Gus Poyet’s men are now back on track and with just four points keeping them from 6th position, they are another club who have every chance of netting a playoff spot come the end of the season. Poyet will certainly be hoping that his side perform better than they did in their last outing though, with the Seagulls completely rolling over as Liverpool romped to a 6-1 victory in the FA Cup. Fortunately, their league form has been hugely impressive, with the AMEX Stadium side failing to lose in their last seven outings in the Championship. Moreover, a return of seven points from their last three away games will do wonders for their confidence ahead of this clash.

There’s just one piece of team news to report on for the home side, with goalkeeper Peter Gulasci available again after spending the last couple of months on the treatment table with a knee injury. Despite his return, he is unlikely to start as Nick Barmby prepares to keep faith with Vito Mannone. Brighton on the other hand will welcome back Matt Sparrow, as he comes back into the reckoning following suspension. Elsewhere, Gus Poyet is expected to make plenty of changes after his side’s capitulation in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Both of these sides possess tremendous form in the league, with Hull currently on a five game unbeaten run while Brighton have not lost in their last seven. However, with the Tigers holding the home advantage, our prediction is going to be a 2-1 victory for Nick Barmby’s men.

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