Match Preview

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

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Derby and Brighton clash in this delayed Carling Cup meeting for the right to face Leeds United at home for a place in the quarter-finals. Paul Jewell, fresh from his nomination for manager of the month for October, takes his team to the south coast for a tie that will be decided on the night with extra-time and penalties if necessary.

The Derby side may look different from the team that were denied an injury time win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday with Jewell intimating he may rest some of his regulars for this cup clash with injuries starting to bite hard on his small squad although quite who he can bring in for some of his players remains to be seen. Ruben Zadkovich could be in line for his first start tonight and Mile Sterjovski may claim a place alongside Tito Villa after the Argentinians goal at the weekend.

Robbie Savage is back at Pride Park after spending a month on loan at Brighton and is not off to play in Beirut despite reports of a potential deal with champions Al Ansar. Micky Adamas has turned his sides early poor run around and Brighton have won their last two home games against Millwall and strongly fancied Leicester City and of course they beat Manchester City on penalties in the second round after a game that was delayed due to the Premiership club’s European commitments.

Vital Quotes:

I’m delighted the players are showing what they are capable of.

‘They’re a top 10 side in the Championship and it’s a major test for us.

‘We have to be near our best to get anything out of the game.’

Brighton boss Micky Adams talking to BBC Southern Counties Radio

Brighton & Hove Albion Team News:

Adam Virgo has been ruled out with an eye injury and nn-loan Bradley Johnson is cup-tied afer playing for Leeds in the first round. Goalkeeper Michel Kuipers is fit again and returns to the squad.

Player to watch: Glenn Murray

Leading scorer for The Seagulls with ten goals already this season and has none goals in his last nine games including a hat-trick against Cheltenham and also scored the goal to take the Manchester City tie into extra time.

Derby County Team News:

Martin Albrechtsen looks set to miss out again with his hamstring injury whilst Rob Hulse may join the Dane in the treatment room with a rib injury picked up on Sunday.

Player to watch: Miles Addison

Mr Consistancy alongside Paul Green in midfield and his first goal in a Derby shirt is long overdue, is tonight the night?

Match Facts & Stats

Last five results

Brighton & Hove Albion

Hereford United (H) 0-0
Peterborough United (A) 0-0
Hartlepool (A) 0-1
Leicester City (H) 3-2 Johnson (2), Hobbs (og)
Millwall (H) 4-1 Murray (2), Johnson, Cox

Derby County

Plymouth Argyle (H) 2-1 Hulse, Duguid (og)
Blackpool (A) 2-3 Commons, Sterjovski
Coventry City (A) 1-1 Hulse
Norwich City (H) 3-1 Green, Hulse, Kazmierczak
Nottingham Forest (H) 1-1 Villa

Ref Watch:

Mercifully not Steve Attwell again so no last minute drama’s….

Match Prediction:

Paul Jewell hinted he could make changes for this encounter and it’ll be interesting to see who he rests with the games coming thick and fast. Expect Derby to still be strong for Brighton in this one and come out on top 2-1.

Next Fixtures:

8th Nov v Reading (Coca Cola Championship) Madejski Stadium

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