Brighton vs Yeovil Prediction – Playoff chasers host relegation candidates with every point up for grabs

This is the time of the season when cruel realities begin to dawn. For fans of Yeovil, while safety might still be mathematically possible, it is looking increasingly unlikely. For Brighton, however, things are looking a little better, though there are nerves at both end of the table. The fourth playoff position is hotly contested and will likely go down to the last day. In order to drag themselves into the best possible position, Brighton will be looking for maximum points and perhaps a goal difference boost against the struggling Yeovil. The attacking 4-3-3 formation has done well for Brighton this season, and they will be hoping that it will be enough to overcome Yeovil’s flatter 4-4-1-1. Playing between the lines, the attacking invention might be too much for the strugglers. While the two teams might not be worlds apart tactically, Brighton can take confidence from the better players they have under their employ.

A terrible start to the season quickly set the tone for Yeovil and there have been few high points since. In their last five games, a win against fellow strugglers Blackpool stands out though is hardly the kind of result which great runs are built on. Draws against Bournemouth and Blackburn might be too little too late for a side desperate for any points and even though safety is still mathematically a possibility, a great many results will have to go their way. With Yeovil being in this position for a reason, points might be increasingly tough to come by.

Brighton, on the other hand, have been enjoying a decent enough run. After three defeats in quick succession at the end of March, the side have quickly turned things around and remain unbeaten since. This has lifted them up into the contention for the final playoff spot. With the top five seemingly set, there remain a number of sides battling and Brighton seem to be the form team. Whilst they may not be winning every match, they are certainly doing enough to not drop points. Against a struggling relegation candidate, they might well fancy their chances.

Team News

Yeovil will hopefully have their full team at their disposal. After struggling in recent weeks with a return to fitness, both Keiffer Moore and Adam Morgan could return to the starting line-up. Their goals have been sorely missed and despite the tight run of fixtures beginning to pile up, the Glovers might be tempted to take a gamble on the pair, despite full match fitness not being guaranteed.

The return to the squad of players such as Will Hoskins and Matt Upson could be just what is needed in order to make the final push towards the play offs. The Ex-England man Upson has been carrying several niggles in recent weeks, though Oscar Garcia will be hoping that he can lead the defence to a clean sheet. Will Buckley is in a similar position, though his place could be taken by Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard.

Brighton

P44 W17 D15 L12
DWWDD

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Kuszczak; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Ward; March, Andrews, Stephens; Lingard, Ulloa, LuaLua

Yeovil

P44 W08 D13 L23
WLDDL

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-1-1): Stech; Ayling, Webster, Duffy, McAllister; Edwards, Palazuelos, Ralls, Davis; Lawrence; Hayter

Prediction: Brighton 2 - 0 Yeovil

Yeovil are struggling for a reason and with Brighton setting their sights on possible promotion, they may simply prove too strong at home.