Brighton win and Sussex CCC draw
Brighton HAFC are heading for their best ever finish in the top flight.
After away wins over Arsenal, Spurs and – on Saturday – Wolves, the Seagulls are ninth and their last two remaining games are at home against Manchester United and West Ham. We have seven wins away from home and highly creditable draws at Liverpool and Chelsea
After a dismal spell when they slipped down the league these recent away wins have revived their season.
We still have a problem up front but we have sufficient resources in midfield to let Yves Bissouma go.
Rest assured, as he did with Ben White ‘s transfer to Arsenal for £50m , Chairman Tony Bloom will drive a hard bargain.
The midfield three of Enoch Mwepu, Leandro Trossard and Alex Mac Allister picks itself with Pascal Gross and Adam Lallana in reserve.
Cucurella- my player of the season – Lamptey and Solly March provide the width.
In defence there is stalwart Lewis Dunk, Dutch international Joel Veltman and the immensely capable Adam Webster, with Shaun Duffy to deputise.
Dan Ashcroft – the director of football – will go to Newcastle with intimate knowledge of the squad, so expect them to come a-calling.
Leicester and Southampton have both shown in recent seasons how tough it is is to hold onto your best players so accept this and get the best price.
We desperately need a forward but these can cost £50 million plus – as well as busting a wage cap that has kept the dressing room strong.
As for the game, penalty-taking has been a recent problem but after missing at first attempt, Alec Mac Allister did better at his second, driving into the corner.
Leandro Trossard cut inside in the box for the second whilst Bissouma, with a trademark drive from distance added the third.
No such joy for Sussex CCC who have now gone 17 games without a victory.
We drew with Durham at Hove.
Injuries to Jofra Archer and George Garton and the row over Ollie Robinson’s fitness have denuded the pace attack.
Mason Crane has joined from Hampshire to augment the spinners.
The real hero has been Indian Chet Pujara with his second double century added to another century.
It’s a young side so a return to the top flight looks unlikely this season.
