Brighton vs. Colchester United, Tuesday 25th January, Kick-off: 7.45

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As far as defeats go, Saturday’s result at Dean Court wasn’t a terrible one. Most Albion fans have accepted that their side weren’t at their best, and Bournemouth, buoyed by Lee Bradbury’s first home game in charge, were impressive. It’s always disappointing to lose, but with Southampton also suffering a surprise defeat at Prenton Park (check out Dale Jennings goal for Tranmere if you get a chance), the League One table is still looking favourable for the Seagulls.

Tuesday night’s match against Colchester United is an opportunity to right the wrongs from Saturday, and with most of Albion’s challengers not in action, a win would see Gus Poyet’s team extend their lead at the top to six points.

John Ward’s Colchester have been rather inconsistent lately, unable to match the excellent run of results they managed at the end of October into early November. Since earning ten points from a possible twelve back in the autumn, the U’s have failed to get back to back wins, but the victory at home to Bournemouth and Saturday’s goalless draw at Huddersfield will give them confidence against the league leaders.

However, Brighton’s home form has been imperious: undefeated, with eight wins from twelve. Since the turn of the year, Albion have scored eleven in their three home matches, and the strikers have been responsible for nine of those goals. A lot of eyebrows were raised over the decision to relegate top scorer Glenn Murray to the bench for Saturday’s game, but Poyet has insisted there is no need for fans to worry about Murray’s future. It will be interesting to see the role he plays on Tuesday night. 

Last 5 matches:
Brighton:
L (1-0 Bournemouth)
W (3-1 Peterborough)
W (3-1 Portsmouth)
W (1-2 Exeter)
W (5-0 Leyton Orient)

Colchester:
D (0-0 Huddersfield)
W (2-1 Bournemouth)
L (4-0 Swansea)
L (4-2 Leyton Orient)
D (3-3 Charlton)


Albion's starting line-up vs. Bournemouth (last game):
Ankergren, Greer, El-Abd, Calderon, Painter, Bennett, Sparrow (Dicker 66), Bridcutt (Murray 67), Noone (Kishishev 66), Barnes, Wood; Subs not used: Brezovan, Elphick, Hart, Holroyd