Match Previews

U23 Preview: Blackburn Rovers V Albion

By Kieran Cleeves • 16 February 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s will be looking to continue their fine form of late, when they play Blackburn Rovers at the Leyland County Ground in the Premier League 2 Division 2 this evening, kick-off 7pm.

The Seagulls have won five consecutive games in all competitions, including three successive clean sheets in their victories over Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Hull City.

The run began with a 3-1 victory against Sunderland in the Premier League Cup, before another 3-1 win against Whitehawk to secure a place in the semi-final of the Parafix Sussex Senior Cup.

Simon Rusk’s men returned to league action and took three points from Newcastle in a 2-0 success, before sealing back-to-back wins with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at home.

Albion were awarded three penalties in their 3-0 win over Hull in the Premier League Cup, with George Cox and Aaron Connolly both finding the back of the net, either side of Steven Alzate’s follow-up from a saved spot-kick.

But for Rusk’s team to extend their winning run, they’ll have to become only the second team to beat Blackburn in the league this season, as the Lancashire club occupy top spot in the division.

Rovers are 11 league games without defeat, winning their previous three fixtures to maintain their position as league leaders after 15 matches played.

The reverse fixture between the clubs finished 2-2 at the Amex Stadium back in October, with Beram Kayal and James Tilley twice equalising for the Seagulls after two goals from Joe Nutall.

Albion sit just two points outside the play-off positions with a game in-hand over fifth-placed Fulham - meaning victory for Rusk’s side could push them into the top five as the season nears completion.

Supporters can follow a live text blog from this evening’s game at the Leyland County Ground on the Match Centre, with a match report being published after the full-time whistle.