CHRIS IS ALL PEPPED UP
Hughton: Time to seal Prem place
BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton says staying up would feel like winning the title for his players as they prepare for a six-pointer against Huddersfield.
Brighton, who are 13th in the table and six points above the drop zone, know victory against the Terriers, in 16th, would leave them almost safe from the drop.
And on a day when Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could be crowned champions, Hughton says it would feel every bit as good as lifting a trophy.
“Does it mean just as much? Absolutely,” he said. “You have to take it into perspective.
“I’m sure I can speak for Huddersfield too. For both of us the most important thing, or the goal, is to stay in this division.
“That is very much equivalent of what is expected of the Man City’s and Liverpool’s, and those who are playing FA Cup Finals.
“That’s what their expectations are – and ours are every bit as important to us and theirs are to them.”
With that in mind you can expect Brighton’s squad to come out of the blocks fighting at the Amex.
“It’s not a difficult team-talk,” Hughton said. “These seven games... the players all know what’s at stake.
“They are desperate to stay in this division.”
Brighton will give midfielder Dale Stephens until the last minute to recover from a hamstring injury before picking the team.
Aaron Mooy is hopeful his performances for Huddersfield Town will lead to a renewed influx of Australian stars in the Premier League.
Mooy and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan are the only Australians playing in the topflight, with both key to their respective clubs’ survival bids as they face off today. And Mooy, who trained alongside Ryan as a schoolboy in Sydney, believes that the duo can lead a new generation of star players from Down Under.
“It’s always good to see other Australians doing well, but there are not that many in the Premier League anymore,” he said.
“There are good young players coming through and hopefully they can reach this level.
“There were many Australian players I used to look up to and we need more here.”