Sheffield United make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion with the opportunity to strengthen their hold of a place in the top half of the Premier League standings.

Meanwhile, Brighton welcome the Blades knowing that only three points will do if they wish to join their opponents in the top 10.

Match preview

Despite only winning four of their last 11 fixtures in the Premier League, Sheffield United have done enough to remain in contention at the right end of the table.

There was a time at Norwich City on December 8 when it appeared that the Blades were en route to their fifth successive game without a win, but a two-goal burst at the beginning of the second half proved decisive in gaining all three points against the Canaries.

Chris Wilder's men continued that kind of form against Aston Villa last weekend as two John Fleck goals earned the Yorkshire outfit their fourth win in front of their own supporters this season.

The fact that United's away record is one of the best division has largely gone unnoticed, however, with no defeats being suffered in eight games on the road since their return to English football's top tier.

While six draws have been registered during that period, frequently picking up points away from Bramall Lane could prove pivotal come the end of the season, and Wilder will expect a continuation of their streak against Brighton.

Although only suffering defeats to Southampton and Leicester City, Brighton have only recorded 12 points from their eight games at the Amex Stadium.

A solid away return means that the Seagulls sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but Graham Potter will be eager for his team to improve their results on the south coast.

On a positive note, Brighton are unbeaten in their last three outings in the league, earning five points in games against Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace respectively.

Summer arrival Neal Maupay has netted in each of those games, taking his tally for the season to seven goals from 17 outings.

However, it has been six games since Brighton last kept a clean sheet, and Potter will be keen to bring an end to that streak sooner rather than later.

Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form: LLLWDD

Sheffield United Premier League form: DDDLWW

Team News

With Fleck serving a one-match ban, Wilder will be forced to make at least one alteration to his starting lineup.

Luke Freeman is in line to be included for the Blades, although his introduction could be the solitary change to the team which began against Villa.

Potter is also likely to keep changes to a minimum, but Dale Stephens should come back into the first XI after being suspended for the draw with Palace.

Yves Bissouma is expected to drop down to the substitutes' bench, where he could be joined by Aaron Connolly who is looking to shake off a thigh injury.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Stephens, Propper; Mooy, Gross, Trossard; Maupay

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman, Stevens; McGoldrick, Mousset

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Sheffield United

Both teams have shown progression in their performances this season, which should lead to an entertaining tussle on the south coast. However, we feel that the visitors are playing with the greater confidence right now and it could lead to a narrow win for Wilder's men.