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Gaetan Bong And Jiri Skalak To Start – Strongest 4-4-2 Brighton Line-Up To Face Birmingham

Predicted Brighton Lineup To Face Birmingham

Brighton continue their title challenge against Birmingham this Tuesday with the Championship increasingly looking like a head-to-head battle between themselves and Newcastle.

Huddersfield’s shock home defeat to Burton Albion has left them with a lot of work to do to catch the top two now, though Brighton cannot afford to be complacent. The home side just about scraped a win last time against relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers, with boss Chris Hughton commenting afterward that he is keen not to change too much during the 7 remaining games.

Hence, expect Rosenior and Skalak to keep their places in the team.

Predicted Brighton Starting XI:

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – David Stockdale

The former Fulham stopper has been a vital part of Brighton’s promotion push and will keep his place.

RB – Liam Rosenior

Once touted as an England hopeful, Rosenior has been used more sparingly this season but his experience could yet prove vital at right-back.

CB – Uwe Hunemeier

Another player who is in the team because of injuries and just as in the case of Rosenior, Hunemeier has tons of experience and will not let Brighton down at the back.

CB – Lewis Dunk

Someone who is definitely of Premier League quality, Dunk is one of Brighton’s top performers and capable of a goal or two from set-pieces apart from his wonderful defending.

LB – Gaetan Bong

Although Sebastien Pocognoli started the Blackburn game at left-back, this time Hughton may wish to freshen up the side slightly and so the Cameroonian international may start his 22nd league game of the season.

RM – Anthony Knockaert

The talented Belgian winger has missed just one league game this season and managed 13 goals. A big performance is needed from him now.

CM – Dale Stephens

Reaching his peak at 27, Stephens has had a very consistent season and Hughton would not risk leaving him out for this one. Brighton cannot afford to lose any midfield battles and so Stephens’ presence is key.

CM – Beram Kayal

The former Celtic man offers very little in front of goal, but his midfield solidity makes him likely to be called upon again.

LM – Jiri Skalak

Although he was withdrawn on Saturday, Skalak may well keep his place on the left-hand side.

ST – Glenn Murray

Saturday’s match-winner is the focal point of Brighton’s attack and even at 33, he is a massive danger up front. The 19 goals he’s scored this season are the proof that he retains all of his ability.

ST – Tomer Hemed

Potentially replacing Arsenal loanee Chuba Akpom, Hemed has 10 goals to his name this season and is capable of grabbing an important goal.