Sheffield United v Brighton: The inside track on Graham Potter's struggling Seagulls' side

High-flying Sheffield United return to action following their winter break in Dubai when they welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Bramall Lane on Saturday.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Chris Wilder's side will go into the game full of confidence on the back of three successive wins and sitting pretty in sixth place in the Premier League – just two points behind Chelsea in fourth place.

In contrast, Albion have struggled since the turn of the year and haven’t registered a victory since defeating AFC Bournemouth on December 28, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Graham Potter’s side – who lost 1-0 to United at the Amex in December – also crashed out of the FA Cup at the third round stage to Sheffield Wednesday last month.

However, they have produced impressive results against the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this season – so could they spring another surprise at the Lane on Saturday?

We’ve asked Albion writer Adam Stenning, of The Argus, for the inside track on the Seagulls and to single out the players to watch.

How would you describe Brighton's season so far?

A bit of a roller-coaster ride, with plenty of ups and downs.

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter will be looking to halt his side's poor form when they travel to Sheffield United on Saturday. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter will be looking to halt his side's poor form when they travel to Sheffield United on Saturday. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter will be looking to halt his side's poor form when they travel to Sheffield United on Saturday. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Albion have managed to get good results against sides above them like Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal, but have found it more tricky against sides in and around them.

I'm not sure if that is down to the pressure and the expectation of getting results against the bottom half sides, but they have struggled to get a much needed three points since beating Bournemouth in the last game of 2019.

Who have been the stand out performers for Albion this season?

Lewis Dunk springs straight to mind, the skipper has stepped up another level since taking on the armband after fan's favourite Bruno retired.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Also the midfield two of Dale Stephens and Davy Propper have been vital again in the middle of the park, with their understanding of each other's games.

Also Maty Ryan has been superb in between the sticks he has made countless crucial saves, which if he was not in goal Albion's points tally might be considerably different.

What are the reasons behind Brighton's poor run of form since December?

That's a tough one to put a finger on. It's hard to see what has gone wrong for Albion so far in 2020, as they ended 2019 on a high beating Bournemouth 2-0 and then begun the new year with a good point at home to Chelsea.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, since then they have picked up three points out of a possible 15.

I feel like things could well change as three of their next four games are against top ten sides, where there will be less expectation of results which work in Albion's favour, plus the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, who look to be a promising 21-year-old, who has brushed shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi.

As touched on above, Albion have had a poor 2020 but is Graham Potter's job at risk because of this?

I'm not sure it is. The board has shown their support for Potter with a extension to the contract he signed in the summer and see him as the man who can take the club to the next level.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite the poor form a win could change everything for Albion with how tight it is down the bottom and he will be hoping to grab that sooner rather than later to relieve some pressure.

How much of a boost was it to keep Glenn Murray amid speculation linking him away from the Amex in January?

It is a huge boost in an area of the pitch, where Albion were not spoilt for choice. As well as Neal Maupay has done, it is only his first season in the Premier League and the same can be said for Aaron Connolly, who is only playing his first season in senior men's football. Murray has the experience and the eye for goal and has shown in the last two games that doing the basics right can be so effective. He has been rewarded with an extension to his contract and is now chasing the 14 goals he need to become the club's all-time top scorer.

Who are the players likely to pose a threat to United on Saturday and how will Albion line up?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Well Murray is one. I spoke to ex-Blades and Albion boss Micky Adams and he summed up Murray perfectly with the phrase "he comes alive in the box" and he has certainly shown that against West Ham.

Another who could be one to keep an eye out for is Alexis Mac Allister. The 21-year-old has been impressing for Argentina's U23's and Boca Juniors this season, but could be the answer to the creativity problems that Albion have lacked.

In contrast to Albion, United have been flying this season. Do you think Brighton can cause an upset on Saturday?

As I said earlier I think the pressure will be on Sheffield United given their league position, the fact they are at home and their push for a Champions League place which could work in Albion's favour.

Add to this Albion will not want to see United do the double over them they will be motivated to turn their season around with a result against the Blades.