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Against Huddersfield, Bolton capitulated in the second half in a fashion not seen since the days of Coyle. The normally steady defence lost their nerve and it finished 4-1 to the hosts. We have a far, far tougher challenge on paper now against top of the league, Brighton. Despite being talked about as possible candidates for relegation at the start, they have dominated and remain unbeaten.
Team News
Zach Clough, David Wheater, Emile Heskey and Dorian Dervite all remain out. Lennon has said he might be tempted to rush Clayton back in to the squad given the striker crisis. Liam Trotter, Francesco Pisano and Jose Casado are all expected to be in contention now they have played a few U21 games.
Lennon stated he expected to have a striker in on loan by Saturday but saw a deal for Swansea City man Marvin Emnes fall through at the last minute and a deal for ex-Everton striker Victor Anichebe turned down.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have just loaned out England U21 international midfielder, Jake Forster-Caskey on loan to MK-Dons for a month. Due to the form of other players, he was struggling to get game time. Mostly a clean bill of health for Brighton.
Form
Bolton Wanderers
DDWDL
Brighton & Hove Albion
WWWWD
Top Scorers
Bolton Wanderers
Liam Feeney – 2
Brighton & Hove Albion
Tomer Hemed - 5
Match Odds
Bolton Wanderers 2.90
Draw 3.20
Brighton & Hove Albion 2.25
One To Watch
Tomer Hemed
The Israeli international has been in rich goal scoring form this year scoring 5 in 7 games. The 6ft 0 front man is being well fed from the talented central midfield man and fellow Israeli, Kayal.
Beram Kayal will be known to Lennon as he played under him at Celtic. Hemed is joined in attack by one of Sam Baldock or Bobby Zamora making it difficult to mark him out of the game.
Prediction
Brighton are unbeaten and we’ve only won one so far. Even the most ardent fan would admit a win is unlikely. I do think last week was blip defensively and we’ll make it difficult for them.
They aren’t scoring lots every game but are picking up lots of 1-0 results.
Given we can’t score and their defence is solid at the moment, I’ll say 0-1 to Brighton.