Championship preview and odds: Brighton and Hove Albion vs Middlesbrough

Published on: 18/12/2015

Championship preview and odds: Brighton and Hove Albion vs Middlesbrough

December 19, 2015 12:30pm - Falmer Stadium

Championship

It`s first against second on Saturday lunchtime as second-ranked Brighton and Hove Albion take on league leaders Middlesbrough at the Falmer Stadium in the Championship.

Brighton looking to regain supremacy

Brighton and Hove Albion lost their place at the top of the table thanks to a pair of draws in the last two matches. Despite their slip down to second place, Chris Hughton`s men remain unbeaten in the league with 21 games played.

Last time out, the Seagulls went two goals up away to QPR but were eventually pegged back to 2-2 after a late brace from Charlie Austin. The result marked their 10th stalemate of the season and their sixth in their last nine games.

Boro grab top spot

An unbeaten run of five games that has included four wins and a draw has propelled Middlesbrough to top spot in the table with 21 games played.

Aitor Karanka`s men come into this game on the back of a 1-0 home win against Burnley in midweek, which marked their seventh win in nine games and their fifth clean sheet in a row. The decision to rotate players on a regular basis seems to be paying off for the Spanish Coach.

Since losing at Hull back in November, Boro have won their last two away matches without conceding a goal.

Team news

Brighton defender Lewis Dunk was sent off against QPR and will be banned for this game. Other absentees include the injured trio of Solly March, Liam Rosenior and Gaetan Bong, while Sam Baldock could return.

For the visitors, David Nugent is still suspended, while Rhys Williams, Damia Abella and Alex Baptiste are all missing through injury.

Recent form (League)

Brighton and Hove Albion: DDWWD

Middlesbrough: WDWWW

Betting odds and tips

Brighton have won eight of their 10 home games in the league without a single defeat. The visitors have lost three games on the road this term but are currently enjoying their brightest spell of form. The Brighton/Draw Double Chance looks like the choice bet at 4/9 with Ladbrokes.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 18/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (18/12/2015 14:20:35) but are subject to change.