Brighton and Hove Albion take on Derby County on Friday night in the Championship, and HITC pundits give their predictions on the likely outcome.
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Derby County
Brighton have had a couple of bad results over the past week and this is an important fixture for them. Fortunately Derby are in inconsistent form too and while this could be a close one, Brighton should have enough to scrape a win.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Derby County
The Seagulls have been painfully inconsistent of late but a comfortable win against doomed Rotherham has got them back on track. If they display the counter attacking menace that destroyed Reading recently Derby won’t stand a chance.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Derby County
Brighton got back on track against Rotherham and need to keep winning due to Huddersfield’s continued pressure. The Seagulls tend to be very solid at home and should have enough about them to beat a Derby side who are already out of the play-off picture.
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Derby County
Brighton will know they still have a great chance of claiming the league title this season and they will not want to let any points slip against Derby. I think the Seagulls will run out relatively comfortable winners.
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Derby County
It feels like the manager bounce from McClaren’s return to Derby has dissipated in recent weeks, with the Rams failing to build on that and push for the playoffs. Brighton will have too much for them at the Amex, even though it will likely be a narrow win.
Brighton’s Glenn Murray celebrates
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Derby County
Brighton returned to winning ways at Rotherham in midweek and I fancy them to take another three points on Saturday. Derby have tailed off as usual and look in need of a rebuild.
Derby County celebrate
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