U23 Preview: Middlesbrough V Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s will look to strengthen their chances of finishing inside the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off positions, when they take on Middlesbrough at Heritage Park this evening, kick-off 7pm.

The Seagulls slipped out of the top five after Fulham’s 3-0 victory against Norwich City on Wednesday evening, but Simon Rusk’s team could move into third position with three points over Boro.

The north-east club occupy fourth spot in the league table, two points ahead of Albion with one fewer game played - which makes tonight’s match a huge fixture in the battle to secure a play-off position.

Albion are eight matches unbeaten in all competitions - four in the league - but Rusk’s young side surrendered a 1-0 lead against Southampton at the Amex Stadium on Monday night with the spoils shared.

Boro claimed a point when they visited the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre back in October - when goals from Sam Baldock and George Cox could only secure a 2-2 draw.

Rusk’s team have won back-to-back away games in the league - 2-0 against both Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, and another victory tonight would seal an impressive hat-trick away from home.

Albion supporters can follow a live text blog from this evening’s game on the Match Centre, with a match report being uploaded to the BrightonandHoveAlbion.com after the full-time whistle.