Second takes on fourth in the Championship this evening as Brighton look to increase the gap between themselves and Jaap Stam’s compact Reading outfit.
Overview
This will be the first of two huge home games for Brighton this week, who face table-topping Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
Fortunately for Albion, manager Chris Hughton has no new injury worries ahead of this clash.
Reading meanwhile will be looking to make up ground on Brighton who currently occupy the final automatic promotion spot.
The Berkshire side managed by former Manchester United and Netherlands defensive rock Stam, lost 1-0 at 3rd placed Huddersfield Town last time out.
Paul McShane and Joey van den Berg could return from respective calf and hamstring injuries for the Royals.
Head-to-head
These two have already met twice this season. The first meeting in the league provided an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Madejski Stadium.
However, in the EFL Cup Third Round, the Royals secured a rare win at the Amex Stadium. Stam’s side earning a creditable 2-1 win on the coast.
Brighton though, come into this fixture the better placed. They currently sit 2nd in the Championship table – 8 points clear of their visitors this Saturday.
Their 2-0 victory at a strong Barnsley side in their last league fixture told the rest of the division that they are in this promotion chase for the long haul.
Key Players
Anthony Knockaert – Brighton
The Frenchman is best known for his penalty miss in the playoffs for Leicester City against Watford, in 2013. Before Troy Deeney famously scored to book the Hornets place in the Wembley final, down the other end.
However, undeterred from that traumatic experience, Knockaert has been at the heart of Brighton’s promotion push this season. His trickery and guile has made him a lynchpin of Hughton’s team and an extremely popular face at the Amex Stadium.
Garath McCleary – Reading
The Royals winger has had a hand in 15 goals this season – 8 goals and 7 assists – more than his previous two seasons combined.
McCleary possesses speed to burn and great strength, becoming one of Reading’s most consistent performers. Expect him to cause a constant threat down the Brighton wing.
Managers
Chris Hughton on BBC Sussex:
“We went through a difficult period by our standards, particularly away from home. At the time Barnsley felt like a big win, but at the moment they all do.
“I see a group of teams around us and fortunately most of those are below us at the moment. They are all in very good form and capable of continuing good runs.
“The Reading game gives us a fixture against a team that is very close to us in the division. It goes without saying it adds more meaning to the game, though ultimately it is about three points.”
Jaap Stam on BBC Radio Berkshire:
“We knew from the start of the season they [Brighton] were contenders to be at the top of the league.
“They have a lot quality in the team, they deserve to be there and they have players who can always make a difference.
“We need to be very focused on their qualities. If you give them time and space to play around the box, they can make a difference.”
