Wolverhampton Wanderers host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon looking to return to winning ways after being given a week to try to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Championship leaders Brighton currently hold a commanding advantage at the top of the division, but they will be aware that they cannot afford any complacency against their inconsistent opponents.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Earlier this week, Wolves boss Kenny Jackett and chief executive Jez Moxey defended the club's decision regarding a number of matters that arose during the transfer window, but it is only during the next couple of months when their judgement calls will be proven right or wrong.
The club's supporters are still reeling from the sale of long-serving defender Richard Stearman and a lack of a replacement for the injury-stricken Nouha Dicko, and tensions could rise should Wolves not deliver a positive result this weekend.
Just two victories have been recorded in six games, leaving the club in 15th position, and although they have played a game fewer than the majority of their rivals, their current standing is not deemed good enough by their passionate following.
Most of the attention of the past month has surrounded striker Benik Afobe, but their inexperienced defence must quickly come to terms with the departure of experienced leader Stearman ahead of the inevitable battles they will face through until Christmas.
Three points at the weekend would go some way to satisfying the demand of supporters for improved results, but what is largely a young squad may need time to find the consistency required to become a regular part of the top half of the table.
Recent form: WDLLWL
Recent form (all competitions): DLLWWL
Brighton & Hove Albion
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After making the early running in the Championship, supporters of Brighton may have been half-expecting the international break to hinder their progress, but Chris Hughton has continued to work his magic on the South Coast.
Back-to-back home wins over Hull City and Rotherham United have taken the Seagulls five points clear of the chasing pack and there is a determination at the club to build on what has been a dream start.
Some of their success can be put down to Tomer Hemed, who has taken the league by storm with five goals in his first seven games, but their defence is equally responsible after looking resolute apart from an 11-minute spell against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Hughton will attempt to keep his team's feet on the ground, but they will be aware that each win will only increase their cushion ahead of a demanding winter schedule that will see clubs at the top and bottom of the standings pick up results against each other.
Brighton will take belief from their recent record against Wolves, but expectation is building at the Amex Stadium, which is in stark comparison to their struggles of last season, and it remains to be seen how they will react.
Recent form: WDWWWW
Recent form (all competitions): DWLWWW
Team News
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Brighton forward Bobby Zamora is likely to remain on the bench despite making two substitute appearances over the past seven days.
Unless any injuries occur in the build-up to the game, Hughton is unlikely to be tempted into any changes, meaning the likes of Lewis Dunk, Jake Forster-Caskey and Rohan Ince should remain on the bench.
Winger Kazenga LuaLua could suffer the same fate as he returns to the squad after being suspended in midweek for picking up five yellow cards.
Wolves attacker Adam Le Fondre should be fit despite sustaining a knock to his ankle in training, but club captain Danny Batth is not in contention despite making his return from a lengthy layoff in an Under-21 game last weekend.
Wide player Nathan Byrne may be handed his debut after signing for the club from Swindon Town on deadline day, while Kevin McDonald could be recalled to the first-team squad.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Doherty, Ebanks-Landell, Hause, Golbourne; Henry, Edwards, Coady, Byrne; Afobe, Le Fondre
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Stockdale; Bruno, Greer, Hunemeier, Bong; Murphy, Stephens, Kayal, March; Hemed, Baldock
Head To Head
In the 16 previous meetings between the two sides, Brighton have won eight times compared to just the two victories for Wolves.
Three of the last four encounters have ended in draws, while Wolves have not recorded three points over Brighton since 2006.
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Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Despite only registering four points from three home fixtures, Wolves have showed that they are a constant threat in the final third at Molineux and we expect their attack, albeit weakened by the absence of Dicko, to have some success this weekend against a team who are facing increasing pressure to continue their excellent form.
Darren Plant
