Championship
Feb 21, 2015 3.00pm
4
3
HT : 1 1
FT
  • Joao Teixeira 8' goal
  • Inigo Calderon 50' goal
  • Joao Teixeira 58' goal
  • David Stockdale 76' yellowcard
  • Inigo Calderon 85' goal
  • goal Clayton Donaldson 13'
  • goal Wes Thomas 76'
  • yellowcard Jonathon Grounds 85'
  • goal Lee Novak 92'

Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Birmingham City

Brighton vs. Birmingham

Brighton & Hove Albion continue their fight against relegation from the Championship by hosting Birmingham City at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

A run of four matches without a win means that Chris Hughton's side have failed to pull away from the bottom three in recent weeks, and they head into their latest test in 21st spot, one point ahead of Millwall.

Inspiring his attackers to find their goalscoring touch again could be the big challenge following goalless draws against Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday in the last two matches.

However, stubborn defensive displays in both of those games is a boost for the Brighton boss as he prepares to meet a side which have proved it is possible to move away from the relegation zone quickly.

Gary Rowett has undoubtedly been a success since arriving at St Andrew's, but matters off the pitch have shared the headlines with the team's performances in recent weeks.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the club's parent company had gone into receivership, and Rowett has been forced to play down reports of a possible points deduction for his side.

Despite currently sitting in 12th place, Rowett and the Birmingham fans understand how much a deduction could change their season, with just nine points separating them from the relegation zone.

Rowett's focus will be on improving the form of his team following a run of six successive matches without a win, and Lloyd Dyer is among the players pushing for a recall.

An eagerness to freshen up his attack could see Hughton hand starts to Kazenga LuaLua and Craig Mackail-Smith, while Emmanuel Ledesma, who has joined on loan from Middlesbrough, is expected to be named on the bench.

Brighton:

Form in Championship: LWLLDD Form in all competitions: WLLLDD

Possible starting lineup: Albion, Stockdale, Calderon, Greer, Dunk, Bennett, Bruno, Kayal, Teixeira, LuaLua, Mackail-Smith

Birmingham:

Form in Championship: DDDDLD Form in all competitions: LDDDLD

Possible starting lineup: Randolph; Caddis, Spector, Robinson, Grounds; Davis, Gleeson; Cotterill, Dyer, Gray, Donaldson

Sports Mole says: 1-1

POLL
Who will win Saturday's Championship clash between Brighton and Birmingham?
Brighton 53%
Birmingham 17%
Draw 30%
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