Friday’s Championship match sees already-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Norwich City who will be no doubt envious of their opponents’ exploits this season following their own rather miserable campaign.
Norwich managed to take maximum points in their last match which stopped the rot somewhat. However, they have still lost three of their last five matches.
The Canaries have been fantastic going forward this season but terrible at the back. They have scored 76 and conceded 66 meaning they have the third-best attack and third-worst defence in the division. Norwich have found the back of the net 11 times in their last three games, scoring in each of them but have unfortunately not kept a clean sheet in their last five. This lacklustre defensive performance throughout the season is the why they are not challenging for promotion.
Alan Irvine’s side lost their last game at Carrow Road, bringing their ten-match unbeaten home run to an end. They have found the back of the net in every match on home soil since 22nd October but, conversely, have also failed to keep a clean sheet in all but one of their last seven at home.
Brighton have secured promotion to the Premier League and next season will be their first in the top flight for 34 years. They are currently on a five-match winning streak and know they will win the title if they take another three points on Friday night.
Chris Hughton’s men have the perfect combination of being brilliant at both attack and defence. Brighton have the best defensive record in the Championship with just 36 conceded and a clean sheet ratio of 49%. Additionally they have scored an exceptional 73 goals (fourth-best in the league), scoring at least two goals in each of their last four matches.
The Seagulls had a bit of a testing time on their travels a few weeks ago but have now recovered to win their last two away from the AMEX Stadium, scoring four and conceding just one. Furthermore, they have the second-best away record in the league with 38 points taken from 21 games.
Although Norwich are very good at home and many will believe this is an after the Lord Mayor’s show affair for Brighton, I actually think the away side will pull it out the bag here. They are in such fine form and will want to ensure they cap off their promotion by taking the league title. ‘Brighton to Win’ is worth supporting at a price of 9/5.
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