2017-18 fan season preview: Brighton
By Brett Mendoza.
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
One of immense pride. It’s been a hell of a journey to get here, one with so many lows and very few highs in the 34 years since we were relegated from the top flight. We are more than a football club, the journey may be better than the destination, but we made it, we have to be proud!
How pleased have you been with your transfer business to date?
Very much so, so far. We’ve improved a good squad with more attacking options. We’ve gone very quietly about our business. Just need a striker now!
How is your team likely to line up?
Hughton will no doubt go with a 4-4-1-1, having spent the last two years playing expansive football using 4-4-2. The emphasis will now be on not being thrashed, rather than winning, especially away.
Who will be your most important player?
Maty Ryan, our new goalkeeper. He is the Aussie No.1 and our first ever £5million player. He will be in action more than any of our players. If he can build the confidence of the defence in front of him, we may just be OK this season! Our last two seasons have been built on clean sheets, that needs to continue, but obviously will be so much harder in the top flight!
Who is the unsung hero in your squad?
For me it has to be Dale Stephens, when he didn’t play we suffered a bit in terms of performance and results. He makes us tick in an often very underrated way. I do think that Solly March will be our best player this season, such an exciting young talent.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
From the outside, every year, like Tottenham will be their year. It never happens. Top-four finish is the best you guys could hope for. Is that good enough, though?
If you could have one Liverpool player in your team, who would it be?
Sturridge. A clinical goalscorer will be the difference between us staying in the division or not! When he is fit, there aren’t many better scorers in the league!
Top four (in order)?
Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd.
Relegated?
Huddersfield, Watford, Newcastle.
Surprise package?
Can I say us? Everton (sorry) - they have spent big and brought in some real quality!
What is your biggest wish for the season?
To stay in the division. We have proved we deserved to be in the top flight, now we have to prove we belong there!