Albion preview: Brighton v Wolves

Our Brighton correspondent Patrick Gleeson looks at Wolves’ trip to the Amex.
Our Seagulls correspondent - Patrick GleesonOur Seagulls correspondent - Patrick Gleeson
Our Seagulls correspondent - Patrick Gleeson

Albion prepare for their last game of the season before they can fully turn their focus to their play-off semi-finals with whoever finishes in fifth position.

Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest can both still claim the spot, but it is looking increasingly likely that it will be a two-leg tie with Crystal Palace to reach the final at Wembley.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are the visitors to the Amex this weekend and will be confirmed as relegated for the successive time if a swing of results don’t go their way.

Team News

Wayne Bridge is doubtful ahead of the clash as the left-back missed out on the trip to Leeds last weekend after picking up a knock in Albion’s 6-1 win at home to Blackpool.

Bruno could miss the rest of the season after limping from the field at Elland Road with a calf injury and Inigo Calderon, the man who replaced him, will also be absent as he saw red in the 2-1 victory.

Gus Poyet may be forced to play David Lopez in the right-back berth as fit again Liam Bridcutt comes back into the Albion midfield.

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Jamie O’Hara has completed his three game ban for his red card at Huddersfield and could go straight back into the Wolves starting 11.

Form

Albion are now unbeaten in eight games and will be looking at keeping their momentum up going into their play-off games.

They are almost guaranteed fourth place due to their superior goal difference over Crystal Palace and Gus Poyet may be tempted to rest his stars.

Albion Last 5: W W D W D

Wolves currently occupy 23rd position in the Championship and to have any chance of retaining their second division status will need an unlikely set of results.

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The Molineux side would need to pick up all three points against Albion and see Barnsley and Peterborough both losing their fixtures heavily for survival.

Wolves Last 5: L L W L L

Head to head

The pair played out a thrilling 3-3 draw when they met at the Molineux in November with a last gasp Roger Johnson goal rescuing a point for the home side. Wolves had twice gone ahead through Bakary Sako and Tongo Doumbia, but Albion hit back through Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Buckley.

Steven Dobbie then scored a 90th minute spot kick which looked like the winner, but the Seagulls were denied when Johnson snatched the leveller.

Players to watch

Ashley Barnes (Albion)

Barnes has scored nine goals so far this season, including a double against Blackpool last month, and has looked fresh since returning from his seven match ban.

Kevin Doyle (Wolves)

This could be the Irish striker’s last game in a Wolves shirt and he will want to go out in style. Doyle has scored nine goals this season, with two coming in his last three games.