Opposition watch: Brighton

A lowdown on Bolton's next opponents, Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion will be the next team in line to face Dougie Freedman’s men, and we take an in-depth look at Óscar García’s side. 

Albion are currently sitting in the 13th spot in the Sky Bet Championship after recording two wins, three draws and two defeats so far this season.

The Seagulls however have collected valuable points on the road having recorded draws at both Reading and QPR in the last few days.

After a shaky start, losing their first three competitive matches including a Capital One Cup first round exit against Newport County, Garcia has steadied the Brighton ship and the Seagulls are now unbeaten in their last five matches.

At home, Brighton have only lost once at home in the Championship in 2013, with the defeat coming last month against Nigel Clough’s Derby County.

With Saturday’s game being only the 11th time these two teams have come up against one another in league action, Brighton will be looking to claim their first victory over Bolton since January 1993.

Boss Garcia, formally a player at Barcelona, will be without the services of Keith Andrews at the weekend, with the Irish international illegible to play against his parent club.

The Spaniard will also have Leonardo Ulloa missing after the Argentinean striker was sent off in the 0-0 draw at Reading last weekend.

This means Garcia is likely to hand Ashley Barnes a starting role, with Brighton’s number nine well known to the Wanderers faithful after his sending off last season at the Reebok Stadium.

Another player likely to start for the Seagulls is Craig Conway who is on loan at the south coast club from last season’s Championship winners Cardiff City.

The Brighton team which faced QPR on Wednesday night: Kuszczak, Greer, Calderon, Ward, Upson, Andrews, Crofts, Caskey, Barnes, Lopez, Conway. Subs: Brezovan, Bruno, El-Abd, LuaLua, March, Ince, Buckley. 

For more on Brighton, please click the video below.

 
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