Brighton to move one step closer to promotion against Wigan

Brighton Hove Albion could move one step closer to promotion to the Premier League when they host struggling Wigan at the Amex Stadium on Monday afternoon.

The Seagulls are currently four points clear of second place Newcastle United and 12 points clear of third place Huddersfield Town, although the Terriers have a game in hand.

However, a win for Chris Hughton’s home side in this clash will all-but secure Brighton’s promotion to the English top-flight. The home win definitely cannot be ruled out considering that Hove Albion have won six of their last seven games in the second tier.

A big part of Brighton’s good campaign this season has been their home record in the Championship. The Seagulls have lost just once in their last 18 home games in the second tier and have recorded nine home wins in their last 11 Championship games.

Another big factor to Brighton’s success this season has been their defensive record, as no team in the Championship has conceded fewer goals than the league leaders. They are also the fourth highest scorers in the English second tier.

Wigan are 23rd in the Championship table and are five points away from safety. However, the Latics have given themselves a chance of survival with consecutive victories in the second tier over Rotherham and Barnsley.

Both of those wins have come on home soil, though. The Latics recent away form has been poor in the Championship, having lost four of their last five outings. Wigan’s biggest problem this season has been their lack of goals, as only bottom club Rotherham have scored fewer goals in the second tier this season.

It is hard to see anything other than a Brighton victory in this clash, which would virtually seal the Seagulls place in the top-flight for next season.