HULL CITY v BRIGHTON
Football – England – Championship
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 – Kickoff: 1945hrs

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Just one point and two places in the Championship separate Hull City and Brighton who go head-to-head on Wednesday night at The Circle to decide who breaks into the play-off places, unless it’s a draw in which case neither of them.

In actual fact, the draw is looking the most likely outcome in this fixture as both sides have produced some encouraging results of late and have kicked-started their play-off ambitions. Let’s look at the home side first...

Hull City (8th)
Home : 9-1-5 19/13

Hull go into this match looking to extend their five match unbeaten run which includes wins over Peterborough United, Reading and Bristol City along with getting points off Doncaster Rovers and sixth placed Birmingham City.

The Tigers’ home record stands at 9-1-5 19/13, and have lost just once in their last seven matches which was a 0-1 defeat to Derby County in early January.

Former Leicester City marksman Matty Fryatt (8 goals), midfielder Robert Koren (6 goals, 3 assists) and Aaron Mclean (4 goals, 2 assists) are their main play-makers and goalscorers and account for 18 of their total of 31 goals so far this season.

Brighton (9th)
Away : 6-3-7 13/19

Visitors Brighton will be keen to get back to Championship action following their FA Cup nightmare at Anfield where they crashed out 1-6 thanks to a few own goals.

It’s back to business for Gus Poyet’s side who enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in the league prior to the weekend with an unbeaten run of seven matches including wins over league leaders Southampton, Peterborough, Leicester City and Leeds United.

This improved run of form has now lifted The Seagulls to within almost touching distance of the play-offs which would be a fantastic achievement for the south coast side. Their away record stands at 6-3-7 13/19, and they too have designs on breaking into the top six at the expense of tonight’s opponents.

Brighton also possess some key attacking players of their own like strikers Craig Mackail-Smith, Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes, along with Will Buckley.

The Betting Verdict :

I daresay Poyet will demand a reaction to their drubbing at Liverpool at the weekend and this may bode well for my selection for this match – both teams to score.

Both Hull and Brighton have the chance to break into the play-off places and this should result in both teams attacking from the off. Could be a 1-1 draw here.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Main Pick :
Take both teams to score @ 2.20 which looks a good play

Value Pick :
Consider a punt on Draw @ 3.54 Pinnacle