Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League 2 Division 1 when Blackburn Rovers visit the Amex Stadium this evening, kick-off 7pm.
Simon Rusk’s team secured an impressive penalty-shootout victory in the Checkatrade Trophy before the international break, but a first league defeat of the season came beforehand against Derby County.
It came after six unbeaten matches to open their first debut season in the top flight, which included an emphatic 5-0 victory over Manchester City and late equalisers against Arsenal and Leicester City.
The Seagulls will have taken confidence from their impressive recovery in the Checkatrade Trophy, which saw them come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against League One opponents Peterborough United.
Tonight’s opponents joined Albion in the top tier this season after winning the Premier League 2 Division 2, but Rovers are without a victory inside their opening seven matches of the campaign.
Damien Johnson’s side recorded draws against Arsenal and Swansea City in September, but the month ended with a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the north west.
The Seagulls took four points from their two meetings with Rovers last season, as the teams drew 2-2 on the south coast, before Rusk’s side produced a solid performance to win 2-0 at the Lancashire FA.
After tonight’s league encounter, Albion welcome Benfica to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre on Monday evening in the Premier League International Cup.
Albion supporters can follow a live text blog from tonight’s game on the Match Centre, with a report and gallery being uploaded after the full-time whistle.
Season-ticket holders can attend the game for free and secure their print-at-home tickets on seagullstickets.com, while non-season-ticket holders can purchase tickets, priced at £5 for adults and £2 for under-16s and supporters 65 and over.