Bring on Brighton

A few weeks ago I was fairly confident about AFCB. They were sitting high up in the Championship when teams like Brighton were struggling for form. But with a few defeats for the Cherries and a couple of wins for the Seagulls, I now see Oscar Garcia's team sitting handily just outside the play-offs, while AFCB are trying to hold on to the tails of those in mid-table. 

AFCB fans though should not be too downhearted. Our recent games against Brighton have been fairly tight affairs, but ones in which we have done okay. Who could not forget Liam Feeney's spectacular right wing volley at the Goldsands stadium, in January 2011, the last occasion we played this derby match? Perhaps Matt Ritchie can do something similar this weekend. I also remember the away game that season at the Withdean, when all seemed lost and AFCB were handed a very soft penalty in extra time which gave us a point, which was probably undeserved if I am honest. Still it was good to see us get the better of Gus Poyet and I remember him blowing AFCB fans a kiss as he left the ground, after all the banter.

Now Brighton have installed Oscar Garcia as manager and while he had a slow start he seems to be getting the results now. AFCB will have to be watchful of some new strikers instead of the more well known Hoskins, Ulloa and Lua Lua. It is more likely that AFCB will face Barnes and Conway or Lita in the forward line. Forster-Caskey in midfield has also been getting rave reviews from pundits. But at the back they also have experience in terms of Greer and Upson, while Kuszczack has been preferred to Ankergren in goal this season.

I expect another tight game, but I think this is one AFCB can win on their day. Brighton play a good attacking game like the Cherries and it could well be a high scoring match, but AFCB are due a home win and a clean sheet. It would be a sweet victory if AFCB get one tomorrow against the Seagulls with the SKY cameras looking on.

Catch up on the opinions of We Are Brighton ahead of tomorrow's game as Cherry Chimes puts some questions about Albion's current performances to Scott who writes on the blog. Click on Rival Lines to find out more.