Brighton and Hove Albion may have only drawn at Huddersfield today, but it was enough for them to climb above Reading and into sixth place in the Championship. With any one of about five clubs able to steal sixth, here are three reasons why I think Oscar Garcia’s men will have enough.
1) Leonardo Ulloa
The big Argentine striker has made a real impact since he arrived on the South Coast but has struggled a little bit with injury. The 27-year-old is again the club’s top scorer this season, though the Seagulls have struggled to score at times in the current campaign. Ulloa has 13 goals in his 30 appearances, which isn’t anything special, but he has looked hungry of late and I think he will be the difference.
2) Defensive record
At the time of writing, only Burnley have conceded less goals than Brighton in the entire league. Albion have let just 38 goals in this season and have shut out some of the best strikers in the division.
Matthew Upson is a possibility for the club’s player of the season, and it would be fully deserved if he did indeed pick it up. He has missed just two games all season, and has made 6.6 clearances, 2.5 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per outing.
3) Final three games
Of all sides who can nick sixth spot, I think Brighton have the easiest run in. Although their record against the weaker sides in the division is shoddy, games against Blackpool at home, Yeovil at home and struggling Nottigham Forest on the final day could very well see nine points from nine.