The Seagulls got off to a great start at the Macron Stadium six days ago as Dale Stephens and Jamie Murphy gave the league leaders a two-goal advantage after 35 minutes, however a goal from Neill Danns meant that they went in 2-1 up at half time.
Albion’s chances of coming away with all three points was hindered with 15 minutes remaining, as Murphy was sent off for a what was deemed a dangerous tackle on Danns, though the general consensus amongst fans and manager Chris Hughton is that the winger lost his footing, and therefore shouldn’t have received a red card.
The one-man advantage allowed the Trotters to pile on the pressure in the closing stages, and they made the most of it as Gary Madine headed home a late equaliser for the home side.
Having missed out on two points late on, the manner in which the draw came about certainly made the result feel like a defeat for Albion after the game. It also saw their lead at the top of the table reduced once again, with only one point now separating them from second placed Middlesbrough.
However there were some positives to be taken away from the result, as Albion recorded their best start to a season in over 60 years by going nine games unbeaten in the league – the first time they have ever achieved that feat. Remaining unbeaten in the first two months is something to be proud of, however at this early stage the players and staff won’t be allowing themselves to be caught up in it.
Murphy receiving Albion's first red card of the season last weekend {Photo: Paul Hazlewood)
They will have to be on their toes as they enter a month that has been a bane for the side for a number of years. The last time Brighton won a league game in October 2010 the club was sitting atop League One, Gus Poyet was still in charge and Gary Hart was entering his final season as a Seagulls player.
Since then they have failed to pick up a win in the tenth month of the year in the following four seasons, a run of 19 winless games that the fans will surely like to see shaken off as soon as possible by the current crop of players.
Albion begin the task of returning to winning ways when they take on Bluebirds side who will provide tough competition this afternoon. The former Premier League outfit have won four of their last six league games, and look like they will compete at the top end of the division under Slade.
The former Seagulls and Leyton Orient manager steadied the ship last season after coming in to replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and expectations will be for them to compete for a return to the Premier League. The Welsh side will benefit from still having many of the players who featured for them in the top flight still part of the squad, with the likes of Peter Wittingham and Arron Gunnarsson likely to threaten from midfield. Cardiff also have two former Albion players in Alex Revell and Craig Noone amongst their ranks, with the latter still highly thought of by fans for his time at the club.
However Noone won’t be going up against one of his former teammates on his return to the Amex, as Kazenga LuaLua will be unable to play once again through injury. Hughton’s options on the left wing were also knocked by the news that Murphy’s three-match ban was upheld after the club appealed to the FA for it to be rescinded, with the Scot set to miss tomorrows game, along with games against Leeds and Bristol City after the international break. Liam Rosenior could be utilised on either of the wings, with Elvis Manu and Inigo Calderon are also among the likely contenders to replace Murphy on the wing along with Solly March.
LuaLua is one of two wide players unavailable for selection tomorrow (Photo: Paul Hazlewood)
Albion fans will be buoyed by the news that Tomer Hemed will be available having missed the trip to Bolton due to a tight hamstring. The 28-year old is likely to go straight back into the starting line-up alongside Sam Baldock – despite Bobby Zamora’s performance at the Macron Stadium last weekend.
Unsurprisingly the Seagulls are the odds on favourite with bookmakers to win this weekend, with prices in the region of 10/11 and 5/6 for Hughton’s men to pick up all three points. A first draw at the Amex this season is the next lowest priced in the region of 13/15 and 5/2, with a win for Slade’s side at around 7/2. For a full comparison of odds pricing by bookmaker, check out oddschecker.com.
With their form and results having dipped slightly on the road in recent weeks, a return to Sussex and the Amex – where they still maintain a 100 percent record – will be a sight for sore eyes for both the players and supporters. It’s been a frustrating few weeks, but having performed immaculately at home so far in the campaign, the hope is that they can match that once again tomorrow. Cardiff certainly won’t make it easy, and they have the quality to come away from the game with points, but after the way we’ve started the season there’s no doubt that we’ll be ready for the task at hand.
For fans there will be an eagerness to not only go into the next international break on a high note, but also to expel the long running unwanted record of winless games in October. With Albion having set one record already in the past week, it would be good to see another unwanted one end.
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