Brighton and Hove Albion vs Burnley. Premier League.
Amex StadiumAttendance29,323.
Watch in-game clips and highlights with the Sky Sports app
Saturday 9 February 2019 07:57, UK
Brighton will be looking for a first Premier League win of 2019 when they host Burnley on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).
The Seagulls have lost three of their five league matches this year and are five points above the relegation zone.
However, manager Chris Hughton hopes a midweek FA Cup win over West Brom will lift the squad.
"In terms of the mood of the group ahead of Saturday, it goes without saying it's always better to be approaching matches on the back of a victory like we are after midweek," he said.
While Brighton have not won in the Premier League since the turn of the year, Burnley's form has improved in 2019.
They have recovered from a slow start to the season with an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions, although they are still only two points above the relegation zone.
Manager Sean Dyche said: "The last run of six league games has shown a more consistent level of our identity, with performances and points.
"Individually and collectively there's been some really good performances."
Brighton midfielder Dale Stephens will be assessed due to a hip problem.
Colombia winger Jose Izquierdo, who has not featured since December 4, has returned to training following a knee problem but is unlikely to be involved.
Steven Defour is likely to miss out once again but Burnley's injury situation is improving.
The Belgium midfielder has made just nine appearances this season because of a succession of problems and a calf complaint leaves him a major doubt for the trip to the Amex Stadium.
However, full-back Matt Lowton will have a late fitness test after recovering from a cracked toe bone while fellow defender Kevin Long has returned to training this week though Aaron Lennon (knee) and Jon Walters (Achilles) remain long-term absentees.
This is a big game for Brighton, who rested a lot of players in the FA Cup against West Brom in midweek - 11 changes and then Glenn Murray comes on and scores, so they have another game now. And you think, 'why did you not just play your best team from the start then, as you would not have to have played two-and-a-half games to get through?'
Burnley, meanwhile, look back to the old Burnley, hard to beat and play against…
MERSE PREDICTS: 0-0 (13/2 with Sky Bet)