Brighton and Derby patrons are trying to out-sing each other in the Transfer Tavern, ahead of their crucial Championship clash this evening.
Brighton are currently second in the Championship but can go level on points with pace-setters Newcastle United tonight if they claim a home win over Derby County – although it seems unlikely they’ll be able to match the Magpies’ eleven-goal superiority in terms of goal difference.
But Derby County are by no means there for the taking, despite a run of just one win in their last eight Championship outings – a 2-1 win over mid-tablers Barnsley last weekend. The Rams are now ten points away from the playoff spots but have a knack for late season flurries and will be desperate to get their campaign back on track tonight.
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton, one of their leading voices on the Football League, has predicted a difficult game but ultimately a home win for the Amex stadium outfit, in their mission to keep the pressure on pole-position Newcastle.
Making his weekly predictions for Sky Sports, the former Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Leeds midfielder said; “After a tricky couple of games, beating Rotherham in midweek and getting back to winning ways would have been a big relief for Brighton.
“For them to stake a claim before the rest of the teams play this weekend and potentially move level with Newcastle is a big opportunity, especially with the pack behind breathing down their necks.
“Derby are doing their now-yearly thing of being outside the play-offs, which is frustrating for fans, and it feels like a home win for me. I don’t think it will be easy but I think Brighton will take the points.”
Will Brighton take all three points tonight? Let us know by commenting below!
