BIG DATE AT THE PALACE
Dale says grudge match holds the key to survival
DALE STEPHENS says Brighton’s grudge match with Crystal Palace on Saturday will kick-start the most important run of his career.
Albion head to Selhurst Park on the back of two home setbacks against Leicester and Huddersfield which produced just one point.
That ramps up the pressure on an already tension-filled clash with their traditional rivals, who also desperately need points to stave off relegation.
Seagulls midfielder Stephens said: “It doesn’t need any build up from me. It is going to be a good atmosphere.
“We need to pick up more points. We’ve only managed to pick up a point in the last two games and that’s been disappointing. We feel we have still got a lot of work to do.”
Deflected
Brighton’s end-of-season run-in includes meetings with the top four as well as a trip to Burnley.
Stephens added: “It’s the most important run of games I’ve had and I think everyone should see it like that as well.”
Brighton went ahead when Huddersfield keeper Jonas Lossl deflected Solly March’s 29th-minute shot in off the post.
But Albion centre-back Shane Duffy gifted Steve Mounie the chance to level three minutes later with a poor back pass.
Mounie said: “Every time he (Duffy) tries to fake like he will go long, but then he makes a cut-back. I knew that.”
Huddersfield boss David Wagner was relieved his side broke their four-game scoring duck and says he is loving the relegation scrap.
He said: “‘I am absolutely able to enjoy every single Premier League game from day one.
“It is a joyride from match day one to be part of the Premier League.
“We really have a chance to survive and BRIGHTON (4-4-2): Ryan 7; Schelotto 6, Duffy 4, DUNK 7, Bong March 6; 6, Stephens 6, Propper 4, Izquierdo 6; Gross 5 (Kayal 76), Murray 5 (Ulloa 67, 6). Subs: Krul, Saltor, Baldock, Goldson, Locadia. UP NEXT: Crystal Palace (a), Premier League, Saturday. HUDDERSFIELD (4-2-3-1): Lossl 5; Hadergjonaj 6, Zanka 7, Schindler 7, Kongolo 6; Mooy 8, Hogg 7 (Billing Ince 80); 6 (Depoitre 90), PRITCHARD 9, La Van Parra 6 (Quaner 89); Mounie 7. Subs: Coleman, Smith, Malone, Lowe. UP NEXT: Watford (h), Premier League, Saturday. Referee: Anthony Taylor 6. YOUR TURN: Who scored Brighton’s late winner when they beat Huddersfield 1-0 at home in last season’s Championship? secure a second season. I feel more excitement than a big pressure. That is how we try to deal with it.”
Huddersfield also face a nightmare run-in but Wagner added: “It makes no sense to rule games out and say we have no chance. We have a very exciting final week... Man City away, Chelsea away, Arsenal at home. I would not say we cannot collect points.
“Why not? It is possible. We have shown the top six are beatable sometimes.
“Hopefully we have such a week where it is possible. We have two other home games, which, for sure, is a small advantage but every advantage must be taken.”