This fixture involves two sides who are really struggling at the moment, although it has to be said that Coventry’s predicament is far worse than their opponents. The Sky Blues currently find themselves sat in 23rd place, while Brighton’s position is slightly more comfortable as the Seagull’s occupy 13th spot.
The opening weeks of the season were certainly frantic for Brighton and after rising to the top of the league, there were some murmurs that the club could launch a second successive promotion bid. However, results in recent weeks have completely quashed that optimism and supporters of the Falmer Stadium outfit must be slightly worried at what direction their club is heading. Gus Poyet’s men have won just one game in their last twelve fixtures and after suffering a heavy 3-0 loss to Southampton last weekend, confidence at the club is reaching something of a low. Having amassed twenty three points, it would be fair to say that their position is still comfortable but Poyet must know the importance of things turning around in the coming weeks.
If Brighton supporters are worried, Coventry fans must be petrified at the predicament of their club. There was plenty of doubt about the strength of Coventry’s squad at the start of the campaign and it appears as tough that was certainly founded. Under Andy Thorn, the Sky Blues have never got going and approach this game having collected just thirteen points from their opening fixtures. Already, that puts the club five points adrift of safety and the pressure is starting to mount on Thorn. There was at least something to smile about after the Ricoh Arena outfit managed to unexpectedly draw against Cardiff in their last game, but in general their form has been terrible and they approach this fixture having not won in their last seven.
As for team news, Brighton supporters will see a change between the sticks after Steve Harper left the club after his loan deal expired. His replacement is almost certainly going to be Casper Ankergren, who held the position for the opening weeks of the season. Elsewhere, Maurico Taricco is out through suspension, while injury will keep out Tommy Elphick and Gary Dicker. On a more positive note, Gonzalo Jara Reyes and Vicente Rodriguez could feature after shaking off their injuries. Coventry on the other hand look set to hand a debut to new signing Gary Gardner, while David Bell has an outside chance of featuring following injury. However, Roy O’Donovan is a definite absentee.
Both of these sides have abysmal form heading into this clash, but we think Brighton’s home advantage will count for everything. In a scrappy game, our tip will be a 1-0 victory for Gus Poyet’s men.?
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