After failing in the play-offs last season, Brighton and Hove Albion are going through a transitional period. Despite this, the club are expected to challenge for a top six place in the Championship this season. After taking over at the club in the summer, Sami Hyypia has seen a good run of form at the club in the last few weeks. They have managed to win the last three matches – against the likes of Leeds United and Bolton – while the last win over Swindon Town after extra time helped them reach the next stage of the League Cup.
There is a lot of positivity at Brighton because of these results. Hyypia says that the club has been able to achieve some consistency in terms of results because they are now more clinical in finishing. The signings that they made in the summer have contributed to the team being far more efficient at converting chances. One issue for the former Liverpool defender will be the club’s poor defensive record. Brighton have kept just one clean sheet in the last 4 matches and they need to improve this defensive record very soon if they are to close in on the top six.
Brighton reached the play-off semifinals last season where they were knocked out by Derby. “Charlton have made a good start and it is going to be a similar game to the last few with a high tempo. They have good players up front who can really hurt you if you are not concentrating or playing well. Defensively they are compact and play with a high tempo so if we are slow in possession then they will really cause us problems. We need to make sure we are in a good frame of mind,” said Hyypia ahead of the match with Charlton.