U23 Preview: Albion V Sunderland

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s return to Premier League Cup action at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre this evening, as Sunderland visit the south coast, kick-off 7pm.

The Seagulls sit third in Group H after three games, but a win against the Black Cats this evening will move Simon Rusk’s team level on points with their north-east opponents, who currently occupy second spot on goal difference.

Albion recorded their only victory in the group stage against Sunderland when they visited the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in September, as they produced a dazzling display to win the game 5-0.

Braces from Steven Alzate and Max Sanders opened up a 4-0 lead for the Seagulls, before James Tilley rounded off the scoring to leave Albion top of Group H after the opening round of fixtures.

Defeats to Hull City and Exeter City have followed, and Albion now have three games to produce the points needed to seal their progression to the knockout stages of the competition.

In the Premier League 2 Division 2, Albion’s seven-game unbeaten run came to an end against Reading at the Madejski Stadium last time out, with a 95th-minute penalty denying Rusk’s men a share of the spoils.

Albion supporters can follow a live text commentary from the game on the Match Centre, with a match report also being published after the full-time whistle.

Tickets for the match have now gone off sale, meaning supporters will be unable to purchase tickets at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre this evening.