Brighton and Hove Albion host bitter rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, and they have a key man back for the clash, according to their official website.
The Seagulls go into the contest without a win this calendar year, and this would be the perfect time for them to end their barren run.
That is because Brighton fans hate Crystal Palace, so picking up the three points would not only ease their growing relegation concerns, but would have their supporters on cloud nine for the rest of their weekend.
The Seagulls haven’t given their fans much to cheer lately, so a victory over their rivals would be the perfect way of making it up to them.
Brighton have been boosted in that quest by the news that enforcing midfielder Dale Stephens will be fit to feature in the contest, giving Graham Potter some substance to the spine of his team for the eagerly anticipated clash.
The Seagulls remain without attacker Jose Izquierdo, who remains on the sidelines with injury that is going to keep him out for a further period.
Although they haven’t won in a while, Brighton returned from the international break with a creditable 1-1 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last weekend, and will be looking to build on that in the early kick off on Saturday.
That was their fourth draw in their last five Premier League outings, a run which has seen them drop to within four points of the relegation zone, so victory would not only give the Seagulls supporters the bragging rights, it would give the Sussex club some breathing space in their bid to avoid a return to the Championship.
If order to get that win, Brighton will need to be strong at both ends of the pitch against a Crystal Palace side who are more than capable on their travels.
