The SkyBet Championship’s top two go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon and with an outright lead up from grabs, some would say a lot is at stake when Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Middlesbrough to the Amex Stadium. However in the grand scheme of things, it really is just another game.
The reverse fixture is likely to have a lot more importance, when Brighton make the long trip north on the final day of the season, where league positions will be cemented and the fate of both teams will be set in stone. On current form, it could be a promotion decider but this weekend’s fixture is far from carrying the same significance.
Unbeaten in all 21 league games so far this season, you’d expect the Albion to be well out in front but the south coast club head into Saturday’s game beneath their opponents on goal difference. Despite their stunning form on the field this season, it’s no surprise considering all 11 wins have been cagey affairs captured with a single goal advantage.
Chris Hughton’s well-orchestrated side have actually hit the back of the net more times than the league leaders, however the seven goal separation at the Championship peak is thanks to Middlesbrough’s solid defence, especially on home turf.
Thankfully for Albion, Middlesbrough’s resistance to concede is weaker on the road, allowing five times as many goals as they have done on home soil. Although Hughton’s hard-working side are already rich in confidence, the statistic offers comfort and hope ahead of Saturday’s eagerly anticipated clash.
Of course, Albion have their own problems in defence, as they find themselves without a clean sheet in six games and short of numbers due to Lewis Dunk’s dismissal at QPR and multiple injuries at left back. Uwe Hunemeier will step in to replace Dunk alongside Gordon Greer and the pair of experienced central defenders will need to be on top form when Aitor Karanka’s team arrive this weekend.
With Solly March ruled out for the season and Kazenga Lua Lua still sidelined, the pressure will shift onto Hughton’s available wingers Jamie Murphy and loan signing Rajiv van La Parra. Dale Stephens and Beram Kayal will continue their fine partnership in the middle of the pitch, pulling the strings as they operate in all three segments.
If Albion’s unbeaten run is snipped by the current league leaders, there will be no need to panic. Three points will either be collected or neglected Saturday afternoon, with the victor seizing the opportunity to step forward, preventing their opponent from making a similar move. This fixture will signal completion on the 7th May, however Saturday’s meeting offers no more than a single move in a hotly contested chess game, that is far from being over.
Kieran Cleeves
