Brighton & Hove Albion take on Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium this weekend aiming to defend the Championship's only remaining unbeaten record.
The Seagulls have made an impressive start to the campaign and head into the fixture at the top of the division, sitting some 13 points ahead of their opponents at this early stage.
Bolton Wanderers
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If not for an impressive run of form through the months of November and December last season, it is questionable whether Wanderers would even still be in the second tier right now.
Neil Lennon successfully turned his side's fortunes around, guiding them into mid-table at one point, before an equally shaky end to the campaign.
Why is this important? Well this term seems to be going in a similar manner, with Bolton winning just one of their opening eight fixtures to find themselves a point above the drop zone.
On the plus side, the Trotters have certainly made themselves tougher to beat - losing three times so far - but the margin of defeat at Huddersfield Town last time out offers real cause for concern.
It is no surprise that Lennon lamented his side's lack of quality in the 4-1 reverse at the John Smith's Stadium, as their dismal away run continued.
Things are slightly better on home soil, with three draws and no defeats so far, while only opponents Brighton have conceded fewer goals on their own patch than the two shipped by Bolton.
To avoid a repeat of last season when, for large parts, Wanderers were looking worryingly over their shoulder, Lennon must get his side scoring goals on a more regular basis.
No team in the entire division has scored fewer, which could make the potential signing of Igor Vetokele from Charlton Athletic a huge coup for Lennon. Until then, it is left to the current group to pick themselves up in an attempt to climb the table.
Recent form in Championship: LDDWDL
Brighton & Hove Albion
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As much as boss Chris Hughton tries to play down his side's start to the season, he knows that the longer they remain at the top of the division the harder it will be to keep expectation levels in check.
It is now eight games without defeat for the Seagulls, who boast the division's only unbeaten record as the second international break of the campaign draws ever nearer.
Hughton's men did see their lead at the top of the division cut to just two points last time out, however, when being held to a goalless draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The only other time this campaign that Albion have dropped points was on matchday three, when Huddersfield responded from an early setback to register a 1-1 draw.
Other than that, in the league at least, it has been plain sailing for Brighton as they fast put memories of last season's struggles well behind them.
Hughton did admit to having some disappointments, though, claiming that his side should perhaps be winning games more comfortably than they have been so far.
While the goals have hardly been flowing in, up the other end of the field the Seagulls have kept a league-high four clean sheets, with just five goals being shipped all term.
The ability to grind out wins has left Brighton in an incredibly strong early position and, if they can continue in this manner, then a place in the Premier League will surely beckon.
Recent form in Championship: DWWWWD
Recent form (all competitions): WLWWWD
Team News
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Recent injuries picked up by Zach Clough and Emile Heskey have left a goal-shy Bolton very thin on the ground up top.
Max Clayton's return to fitness has therefore provided Wanderers with a well-needed boost, but a first-team return is likely to have to wait for at least another week.
Elsewhere, the red card picked up by Derik last weekend will also see him sit out the visit of Brighton.
Albion are likely to be able to call upon five-goal striker Tomer Hemed, meanwhile, with the tight hamstring that forced him off at Wolves easing up through the week.
Uwe Hunemeier and Sam Baldock are also both fit for the trip up North, meaning a strong group of possible players for Hughton to select from.
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Amos; Wilson, Vela, Prince, Moxey; Wellintgon, Davies, Danns, Dobbie, Feeney; Madine
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Stockdale; Bruno, Dunk, Greer, Bong; Rosenior, Stephens, Kayal, LuaLua; Baldock, Hemed
Head To Head
Bolton have won two of their last three home encounters with Brighton by a 1-0 scoreline.
That includes the meeting earlier this year, which was settled by Clough's strike just after the hour mark.
Brighton have lost just two of their last eight games against Wanderers overall, though, winning five and drawing one in that sequence.
We say: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Bolton have failed to win 12 of their last 13 matches in the league, which does not exactly bode well for the visit of the division's best side to date. Brighton are themselves unbeaten in nine, and they will extend that run into double figures come Saturday evening.
Daniel Lewis
