please log in to view this image Brighton and Hove Albion v Watford please log in to view this image Venue : American Express Community Stadium Date: 23rd December 2017 Kick Off : 1500 GMT please log in to view this image Two of the Premier League’s most out-of-form sides meet on the south coast in their pre-Christmas fixture. It has been a while since either of these teams won. Watford last tasted success on November 25th at Newcastle and for Brighton it has been even longer, November 4th at Swansea. The Seagulls have lost only twice at home this season, including way back on the opening weekend to Manchester City, so their Amex Stadium record is creditable albeit with too many draws – more than half have ended all square. Watford have four victories on their travels, which is a tally bettered in the Premier League by only the top three in the table. Admittedly the Hornets have lost their last two on the road, narrowly at Burnley and Crystal Palace, but they had a man sent off each time and were leading against the Eagles in the 87th minute when Tom Cleverley was shown the red card and that proved to be the turning point. Failing to keep 11 men on the pitch has been the undoing of Marco Silva’s side in their latest three defeats and while Troy Deeney will obviously be missed here after he was dismissed against Huddersfield last weekend, Cleverley’s return from suspension will be important. please log in to view this image The other issue surrounding Watford at present is whether the early magic of Silva’s reign has worn off, but the success on Tyneside a month ago came by a 3-0 margin and there is no question that all season they have been more effective on their trips away from Vicarage Road. After a promising spell following the October international break, Brighton appear to have reverted to the kind of form many neutrals expected from them following last season’s promotion, especially with their squad looking one of the weakest in the top flight. please log in to view this image Brighton Current Form : DLLLD please log in to view this image Watford Current Form : LLLDL 10 Watford 18 -6 22 points 13 Brighton 18 -9 18 points WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD - ENJOY THE GAME please log in to view this image
"Expect a defensive line up against Watford, must make sure we get a point." "The Watford game is actually a big test for Hughton. They will be missing 9 first team regulars. Huddersfield thrashed them last Saturday. There is no place for Hughton to hide if we bottle this one." "If Albion dont beat Watford the target of 40 points - maybe 38 if other teams crash - will start to look imposible, and not just difficult." Comments from Brighton fans who seem to be getting worried about survival, yet in a poll the vast majority believe that they will win.
Defend at home against our weaken team? Really would be a negative attitude! Hughes might be fit though.. http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/15787882.Potential_injury_boost_for_Hornets_at_Brighton/
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/15787882.Potential_injury_boost_for_Hornets_at_Brighton/ Hughes possibly ready to return - I think I'd rather see him 100% fit rather than playing with an injury that could worsen.
Train ticket.... check Match ticket....check looking forward to it.....??? the weekend, yeah... tomorrow between 15:00 and 17:00 and for a couple of hours after? not so much. Trepidation rather than hope. Expect the worst and all being well I won't be disappointed!
I am not sure what the trains are like tomorrow - none are running through London to Brighton I believe.
I like the idea that they think with us missing 8 or 9 players its a easy game for them , if they are not winning after 30 min there fans could start to get on there back plus our traveling band with the backing of 1881 always make a lot of noise .We could pull this one off
Potentially, the biggest loss will be Doucoure. Aside from the lack of discipline, it would also help if we took chances that were created. We seem to have a relatively good record at the Amex, but that was in the Championship with full-strength sides.
I know we’ve got a lot out, but I’m not sure it’s ‘9 first-team regulars’. I was just trying to work out if I’d take a point now, and after a bit of thought, it was a ‘yes’. Anyone else?
I have little doubt that Anthony Patrick Knockaert will be doing his best to get another of our defenders sent off. Would it be a record for consecutive red cards if that happened I wonder? Sure that there will be some stats to say if that is the case.
"A bad run never lasts forever". I think Hitler said that in the autumn of 41 after a bit of a bad run in Russia But the way I see it another great chance for some different players to shine. And I hope we stick to playing to win. A point won't do much to get us clear of the Rele magnet. And the way this league is rolling up I think we need an absolute minimum of 42 pts. There are 3 6-pointer games below us today. C'mon u'orns and good wishes to you all no matter where you may be
Just watching Real Madrid vs Barca. Barca 2-0 up and Real a man short. But some great talent on show. And now Bale trying to rescue something. Hope our players watch this. It is not the tricks but how they do the simple things so well. With recent politics glad to say my Spanish family are celebrating this. They are not Catalan but are very against Madrid. Barca, Barca
I was thinking about the relegation situation the other day and came to the opposite conclusion i.e. I think 37/38 may be enough this year due to the amount of teams still on less than a point per game and therefore are on target for 38 or less. Not an exact science though, is it?
Think the starting line-up is about as good as we could’ve put out today. Bench looks a little weak though...
