Let’s be honest, after the highs of last last season there have been times this season where things haven’t quite gone to plan. (Let’s all agree to forget about the 4-0 defeat to Luton).
At times there has been a sense of inevitability about the season. After selling almost £150 million worth of talent, this season was always going to be difficult.
With more games and a heavy workload, it was always going to be interesting to see how our young team would respond.
Despite the occasional bump in the road and a string of injuries, the Seagulls are still handily placed for a memorable end to the season.
Still firmly in the fight for a top 6 finish, we are just two matches away from reaching another FA Cup semi final and continue to make waves in Europe.
With so much still to play for, let’s examine our chances in each competition.
Premier League
Despite achieving just three wins from our last sixteen games, the dream of a second consecutive top six finish the Premier League is still very much alive and kicking.
With the likelihood that a top seven finish should be enough to qualify for European competition, we find ourselves right in the mix.
Whilst Tottenham and Aston Villa have managed to create a bit of distance from themselves and the rest, it looks like 6th and 7th place will be settled between ourselves, Manchester United, West Ham, Newcastle, Chelsea and a resurgent Wolves team.
Whilst we have beaten the great and good of the Premier League on numerous occasions, away trips to Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle won’t be easy.
We are also still due to host Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester United and you feel that in order to create more history these home games will be absolutely crucial.
Depending on how the next few months go, there may need to be a decision that is made regarding whether we prioritise the league or Europe, but for now the aim would be for positive results in both.
With most of the Premier League beating each other, the drama looks set to go right down to the wire and a second successive top six finish can’t be ruled out.
FA Cup
Whilst hard fought victories against Sheffield United and Stoke haven’t been the easiest, it’s been fantastic to see several of the Premier League big boys knock each other out during the early rounds of this year’s FA Cup.
Liverpool broke Arsenal hearts in the third round, whilst Man City ensured that Tottenham’s long trophy drought would continue. It also helped when Chelsea destroyed Aston Villa, shocking them 3-1 at Villa Park.
Whilst the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and City still remain, our progress has largely gone unnoticed and we stand a good chance of another deep run.
Last year’s semifinal heartbreak against Man Utd still lives fresh in the memory but with a presentable opportunity against Wolves in the next round, Brighton fans have every right to get carried away with thoughts of another Wembley away day.
Europa League
Despite having been drawn in a group that contained Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens, the Seagulls belied any European inexperience to top the group with thirteen points.
By courtesy of finishing top of Group B, we will avoid the tricky playoff round and instead await our opponents in the last 16.
At this stage of the tournament the competition goes up a notch and those who finished third in their Champions League group have entered the tournament.
This includes clubs with a huge European pedigree such as AC Milan, Benfica, Roma and Galatasaray. With Premier League rivals Liverpool and West Ham also standing in our way, many of the best betting sites view as outsiders for the competition.
Of all three competitions that we are currently left in, the Europa League could quickly be the one we prioritise the most seriously.
Not only can a deep run bring in millions in additional revenue, there is the juicy carrot of a Champions League place that will be awarded to the winner.
With a top 4 or even top 5 finish currently looking difficult, the Europa League presents a viable avenue to Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Whilst most of the media may be viewing us as Europa League also rans, we have already shown in reaching this stage of the tournament that our front foot attacking style seems perfectly suited for the European stage.
Few teams will want to play against us and few would bet against there being even more special European nights at the AMEX.
