Preston North End manager Simon Grayson feels that there couldn’t be a better game to come after the clash with Arsenal than to play table-toppers Brighton & Hove Albion at Deepdale.
The Seagulls arrive on the back of an 18-match unbeaten record in all competitions and the PNE boss feels that the added edge of playing the league leaders is just what is required for his team.
“Sometimes you go from the euphoria of playing a big team, like the game against Arsenal, to playing a lesser game in the Championship – albeit all the games in the Championship are significant – but when it is the top of the table coming again to Deepdale, it bring another edge to it,” he said, as he looked forward to the clash with the Suffolk side.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Brighton and what they have done and for Chris Hughton.
“I think they are very much a team who are going to be up there at the end of the season.
“I seriously think that they could go and win the Championship in front of Newcastle, because I think they are very consistent in the way they play. They are very organised and disciplined and I do see a lot of comparisons between them and how Burnley played last year. They play a similar system, are organised and structured; the players coming into the team know what they are doing and they are a group who have been together a long time now.
“They have got some really talented individuals, but they have a great work ethic as well. They are in a fortunate position at times that they have been able to spend £5m on Duffy and turn down similar money or more for Dunk and Stephens. It is a good football club that is run well from top to bottom.
“It is another tough test for us, but another opportunity for us as well.”
The last three games between the two sides have all ended in stalemate and the Lilywhites’ gaffer feels the opposition will be well aware of the threats of his own squad.
“Chris will be first to admit that they have had some tough games against us,” he continued. “Last year we had two 0-0 draws, and this year we went 1-0 up early and then showed great character by equalising in the last minute.
“I am sure he will have seen us at the weekend; know what we do and be wary of our threats.
“We are looking forward to it, it is another great game for us to be involved in.”
The Seagulls arrive on the back of an 18-match unbeaten record in all competitions and the PNE boss feels that the added edge of playing the league leaders is just what is required for his team.
“Sometimes you go from the euphoria of playing a big team, like the game against Arsenal, to playing a lesser game in the Championship – albeit all the games in the Championship are significant – but when it is the top of the table coming again to Deepdale, it bring another edge to it,” he said, as he looked forward to the clash with the Suffolk side.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Brighton and what they have done and for Chris Hughton.
“I think they are very much a team who are going to be up there at the end of the season.
“I seriously think that they could go and win the Championship in front of Newcastle, because I think they are very consistent in the way they play. They are very organised and disciplined and I do see a lot of comparisons between them and how Burnley played last year. They play a similar system, are organised and structured; the players coming into the team know what they are doing and they are a group who have been together a long time now.
“They have got some really talented individuals, but they have a great work ethic as well. They are in a fortunate position at times that they have been able to spend £5m on Duffy and turn down similar money or more for Dunk and Stephens. It is a good football club that is run well from top to bottom.
“It is another tough test for us, but another opportunity for us as well.”
The last three games between the two sides have all ended in stalemate and the Lilywhites’ gaffer feels the opposition will be well aware of the threats of his own squad.
“Chris will be first to admit that they have had some tough games against us,” he continued. “Last year we had two 0-0 draws, and this year we went 1-0 up early and then showed great character by equalising in the last minute.
“I am sure he will have seen us at the weekend; know what we do and be wary of our threats.
“We are looking forward to it, it is another great game for us to be involved in.”