Brighton vs Derby Prediction

In terms of final day drama, few have bettered Brighton’s route into the playoff positions. Edging ahead of Reading with a last minute winner, the southern club will now come up against the remarkable job which Steve McClaren has carried out at Derby. Fighting for a place in the playoff final was far flung from what the fans were expecting when the ex-England manager took over but McClaren has carried out a commendable job to get Derby into this position. With both teams lining up in an attacking 4-3-3, this match will likely be decided in the centre of the pitch, with Will Hughes the star in Derby’s crown who will be looking to assert his dominance in the style which has attracted attention from the top flight clubs.

Form

Brighton remain unbeaten in eight. Not only buoyed by their excellent final run, but the manner of their victories, there can be few more exciting moments than the last minute goal which gave them that final push required to move just above Reading. The team will be hoping for the moral boost needed to drag them over the line with the proof of their continued fight lasting right to the final whistle. Their ability to put together results at the right moments has been key to their success, their two league defeats to Derby this season might be preying on their minds.

Having known they would reach the playoffs for a little while longer, Derby have not let their form slip. With five wins and a draw in their last six, McClaren’s men have not only a higher points total, but victories over their playoff opponents already this season. Having been able to consistently overcome their opponents since the manager’s appointment, it is almost certain that they will be well prepared for their trip south.

Team News

Despite a goal-conceding error at the weekend, Brighton will stick with Kuszczak in goals. Ahead of him, they will be hoping on the fitness of Mathew Upson, who should make the match though two vital games in such a short window may prove too much for the injury plagued defender. Having reached the playoffs, Brighton will be able to enjoy the services of on-loan Jesse Lingard for an additional period. Up front, Ulloa will continue having grabbed the last-gasp winner at the weekend which gave them the points required to potentially move up a division.

For Derby, much of their hopes will rest on the shoulders of Will Hughes. Having attracted attention from across the country and having caught the eye of a number of larger clubs, the young midfielder will be supplying a front line of Bamford, Sammon and Dawkins as part of the attacking unit which has made the Rams the division’s top scorers. Barring any late concerns, the back five will remain unchanged and provide the platform on which the attackers can strut their stuff.

Brighton

P46 W19 D15 L12

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Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Kuszczak; Calderon, Greer, Upson, Ward; Forster-Caskey, Andrews, Orlandi; Buckley, Ulloa, Lingard.

Derby

P46 W25 D10 L11

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Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Grant; Wisdom, Keogh, Whitbread, Forsyth; Hendrick, Hughes, Eustace; Bamford, Sammon, Dawkins

Prediction: Brighton 1 - 1 Derby

Though Derby have been the stronger team and are rightly favourites, the home advantage could give Brighton hope before they head into the second leg.