'Albion like to press teams and force them into making mistakes' - what Sheffield United can expect from Brighton

It’s another long trip to the south coast for Sheffield United this weekend as the hunt for their first win of the season takes them to Brighton & Hove Albion.
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The Blades travel to the Amex Stadium hot on the heels of a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Bramall Lane on Thursday night.

It was Chris Wilder’s side’s 12th defeat in 13 games but the performance was a vast improvement on the 3-0 drubbing at Southampton last weekend.

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Now United take on a Brighton side which has produced some eye-catching displays this term, but find themselves in the lower reaches of the Premier League due to their lethargy in front of goal.

So, which players make the Seagulls tick and what can the Blades expect from Graham Potter’s side tomorrow?

We’ve asked Adam Stenning, of The Argus, to give us the lowdown on the men from the Amex.

Why have Brighton made a disappointing start to the season?

Well their performances have certainly been impressive.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

One factor that has contributed to their start is the fact that they have not been clinical enough in front of goal. That has cost them in a fair few matches and led to them dropping points. Also their vulnerability from set pieces has not helped. They have conceded 11 of their 21 goals from a corner, free kick or penalty, which is amazing for a side with two centre half’s at 6ft 4ins.

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If they sort both of those out their fortunes could change rapidly.

Do you think Graham Potter's job is under threat following the faltering start?

Not at all the club is going through a period of transition, playing a completely different style of football. This will all take time. Obviously Albion are just above the relegation zone, but a couple of good results and they can turn their season around.

Who have been the stand-out performers for Brighton?

Tariq Lamptey has been one. The 20-year full back has given Albion a real attacking threat down the right and someone who is not afraid to get stuck into a tackle despite his size. It has become apparent that when he does not play Albion tend to struggle as they lose a lot going forward with his pace and willingness to get them on the front foot.

Yves Bissouma has also been a star performer. He has already scored a superb volley against Everton. However, his knack of being able to nip in and intercept the ball and turn over possession is incredible.

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Ben White has also been a key player. He has shown his versatility playing at centre back, right back and in defensive midfield of late. White is so comfortable on the ball and has a good passing range, which has attracted interest from Manchester United.

Who are the main threats?

Well Lamptey is one at wing back for the reasons I mentioned above. He has such incredible energy and stamina that you are tired just watching him, let alone having to mark him.

Adam Lallana is another. With his experience and quality, he is a real threat.

He was unlucky not to open his account against Fulham on Wednesday, but what it did highlight is his composure in front of goal, as he did rush the chance he just gently side-footed the ball into the bottom corner.

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Solly March is also key for Albion. His previous position as a winger makes him perfect for a wing back role as he can get up the field and has the quality with his delivery and finishing, which was evident in the winner he scored against Aston Villa that won the Premier League goal of the month for November.

What style of football (or system) should United expect to come up against?

Firstly Albion will probably operate with a five at the back and the one they played against Fulham with Lamptey and Solly March as wing backs and then Lewis Dunk, Ben White and Adam Webster in the middle.

Albion like to press teams and force them into making mistakes.

United will also have to be prepared to come up against an Albion which like to play football and can use their pace on the counter attack with the likes of Lamptey to cause problems.

What is Brighton's target for this season/where do you think they will finish?

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Well the first is obviously to stay in the division. Then from there is it to finish as high up the table as possible and if they can beat their 15th place finish last season. Given their position at the minute, I think they would be quite happy with a 14th place finish, but anything better than that would be considered impressive.

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