Football Results

Two teams from the lower part table will meet in this Saturday’s match of the 27th round of Premier League, where 18th-placed Stoke currently has three points fewer than 13th-positioned Brighton. Right because of that the home team had stronger imperative to win than its new rival. We need to add that match between the two teams played in Brighton last autumn had ended as draw 2-2.

Stoke

We have said that Stoke is interested only in victory in this home match, given it slid again in the drop zone after last week’s away defeat by Bournemouth. True, 17th-placed Swansea has the same number of points, while for example 12th-placed West Ham currently has just three points more than Stoke and penultimate Huddersfield. It means that a uncertain struggle for survival in the Premier League will be fight till the very end of season.

Right because of that it would very important for coach Lambert players to win one of direct competitors in the struggle, just like they did three rounds ago when they won Huddersfield at home by 2-0. After that they played a goalless draw with Watford at home and lost to Bournemouth 2-1 last weekend despite taking a lead in 5th minute after Shaqiri scored. Let’s add that due to injures this match should skip only midfielder Fletcher and forward Jese.

Probable lineups Stoke: Butland – Bauer, Shawcross, Zouma, Pieters – Cameron, Ndiaye – Shaqiri, Allen, Choupo-Moting – Diouf

Brighton

The guests from Brighton were in similar situation like Stoke is now before previous round and duel with West Ham but in the end they managed to handle pressure of playing in front of their own fans and won a valuable victory by 3-1. In that way the Sea Gulls have again three points more than teams in the drop zone, which allows them to play now against direct competitor in the survival race a bit more under less pressure.

True, we have gotten accustomed from team led by manager Hughton to play better home matches than those outside their stadium this seasos, where they traditionally play offensively and with a goal to at least win one point. Two rounds ago they drew with the Saints 1-1 away, while in previously played fourth round of FA Cup they won Middlesbrough 1-0. Regarding problems with absences, due to injures midfielder Sidwell and forwards Locadie and Skalaka are still questionable.

Probable lineups Brighton: Ryan – Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong – Knockaert, Stephens, Propper, Izquierdo – Gross – Murray

Verdict:

Although the guests from Brighton are in a bit better shape ahead of direct showdown in the survival race, we have decided to play on victory of the home team as Stoke has three points fewer than its Saturday’s opponent at the moment.

Pick:  Stoke wins 2.23 - 123/100 @1XBet