Brighton and Hove Albion FC vs. WFC 17/04/2012

On Tuesday evening Sean Dyche' Watford travel to the Amex to play Gus Poyet's Brighton in a crucial game in the NPower Championship. A win here for Brighton will further enhance their stake for a play off place, whereas a win for Watford will ensure that they beat last seasons point tally with three games to go. Brighton come into the game on the back of a 6-0 hammering by West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday, Watford on the other hand played relatively well against promotion chasing Hull with a 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road with Deeney grabbing his ninth goal of the season. Watford were reduced to ten men mid way through the second half when Adrian Marriappa was sent off for two yellow card offences after coming on at half time for the injured Martin Taylor after a five match lay off. The previous fixture between these two teams ended with a 1-0 victory to the Hornet's with a goal from Troy Deeney late in the second half. Brighton did not gain many fans that day with half of the team rolling around and diving at every single opportunity. Brighton currently sit six places higher than the Hornets with four points seperating the two teams.

Watford come into the game after a dogged second half display from the Hornet's to get an all important point against Hull. Watford come into the tie without Adrian Marriappa who was sent off against Hull. Marriappa was a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad on Saturday after a five game lay off. This showed as he was slow and deservedly sent off for two poor challenges. Watford will also be without Steven McGinn who is still recovering from his injury that has kept him out for 14 months. Martin Taylor is likely to partner Nosworthy in defence even though he suffered a facial injury against Hull. Expect him to be strapped up ala Eustace. Youth player Gavin Massey has been recalled from his loan at Colchester and is looking to start against Brighton. Big Chris Iwelumo is pushing for a start also as he impressed against Hull who had no idea how to play against him. Prince Buaben again impressed on Saturday firstly playing in midfield before switching to right back when Marriappa was sent off. Sean Murray has had a couple of off games but will still be one of the first names on the team sheet. Troy Deeney still has a great chance to be the Hornet's top scorer this season with his current tally of 9 being only one behind ex-Hornet and Bolton benchwarner Marvin Sordell. The key man for the Hornets will be Tomasz Kuszczak, the goal keeper on loan from Manchester United, who made some fantastic saves to deny Hull at the weekend. With an attacking team such as Brighton (when they want to be) Kuszczak will need to be on top form.

Brighton recieved their biggest loss of the season against West Ham in a rather embarassing affair. This does not bode to well for the Hornet's as there may be a reprucussion from a resurgent Brighton. The Brighton team contain a number of ex Hornets including Will Hoskins, Liam Bridcutt and summer acquisition Will Buckley, as well as Watford boy Craig Mackail Smith. More team news to follow.

Likely Line-ups:

Watford: (4-4-2)

Kuszczak
Doyley
Nosworthy
Taylor
Dickinson
Murray
Eustace
Hogg
Garner
Iwelumo
Deeney

Subs: Loach, Bennett, Buaben, Assombalonga, Whichelow.

Brighton:

Brezovan
Greer
El-Abd
Calderon
Painter
Navarro
Vicente
Dicker
Bridcutt
Barnes
Assulin

Subs: Ankergren, Jara, Noone, LuaLua, Mackail-Smith

Score Prediction: 2-1 Brighton, I will happily take a point though.