Brighton & Hove Albion finally got the better of Newcastle United in the Championship table to reach the summit when they managed to beat Fulham while the Magpies went down to Blackburn Rovers. They have been hot on Newcastle’s heels for the past few weeks and now they still have one game on hand to capitalise on the two points lead.
However, FA Cup starts next week to provide a temporary pause to the fierce Championship rush and Brighton host MK Dons next Saturday in the 3rd round of the competition. While Brighton are riding high in the Championship table, MK Dons are struggling in the 18th place in the third-tier English football. Hence, Brighton goes into the match as favourites.
Brighton have the best home record this season in the Championship, collecting 29 points from 12 games from a possible 36 points.
Predicted Brighton & Hove Albion Lineup To Ease Past MK Dons in FA Cup 3rd Round
Defence
Manager, Chris Houghton is likely to make changes to the team that start against MK Dons as he will be needing his main players fully fit when they face Preston North End a week later in the Championship.
We expect Niki Maenpaa to replace David Stockdale in the goal. Stockdale has started under the bar 23 times for Brighton this season and has proved his mettle conceding only 13 goals so far. Houghton will be needing his in-form keeper to be fresh for the next Championship clash.
Brighton will be without Lewis Dunk through suspension. Dunk starts a two-match ban for collecting 10 yellow cards this season and we expect Connor Goldson to step up in at centre-half position to replace him. Right-back Liam Rosenior still remains sidelined.
Uwe Huenemeier is in contention for a selection in the first team after recovering from his broken hand and should replace Shane Duffy to play alongside Goldson.
Sebastian Pocognoli is still out and Houghton hardly has any options on the left back role. Hence, Gaeten Bong is likely to stick to his position. Rob Hunt is expected to start in the right back position replacing skipper Bruno.
