Dunk Looking To Defy Expectations

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Lewis Dunk is hoping to go against expectations when the Seagulls face reigning Premier League champions Chelsea at the Amex on Saturday.
 
Dunk stressed that Albion have performed well against the so-called 'big' sides and feels the underdog tag could work to the team's advantage against the star-studded Blues.
 
He said, “You’d prefer to be favourites as it means you’re more than likely expected to win, but as an underdog, the challenge is there to prove people wrong – especially when you come up against the top-six sides.
 
“We haven’t managed to do that just yet, but apart from Liverpool at home – who were far superior on the day – we have been in all the games against the big clubs.
 
“It goes without saying though that if we can get something out of the game it would be a massive boost for the whole team unit and a massive relief after recent results in the league.
 
“It will show that we are capable of playing against these massive sides and will give us plenty of confidence going into our next run of games.”
 
The Albion centre-back also feels the side can take confidence from the game at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, with Chris Hughton's side managing to hold their own in a positive first-half display.
 
“I thought we were very good in the first half, but they started the second half so sharply and put us under pressure," Dunk recalls of the 2-0 defeat, where both goals came in the second half. "They changed their formation and we didn’t react to it quick enough.
 
“But I think it will be a different game this time. I’m sure Chelsea will play the same way, so we’ll be ready for that, but hopefully we can express ourselves a bit more on the ball like we did in the first half there, and get a point or three points instead of coming away with zero."

Read the full interview with Lewis in Saturday’s award-winning matchday magazine against Chelsea, available in and around the Amex Stadium, priced £3.50